 Blood Or Whiskey - www.bloodorwhiskey.com
Cashed Out On Culture (released 2005)
Punk Core Records - www.punkcore.com
Punk Core always seems to land the coolest bands! Blood Or Whiskey is no exception to the rule. These guys belt out Irish traditional music with punk rock fused right in the middle of all of it. Yeah, you might think another Flogging Molly or Dropkick Murphys, but the reality is that Blood Or Whiskey are the intermediate step between the two. Blood Or Whiskey have a disctinct Irish sound to them, but manage to keep things lively with a stern punk snarl and attitude, as heard on "Stuck Together" . The disc opens with a scortching tune called "No Answers", an apparent song of unity and protest, as the lyircs make out struggles found throughout the world and an urge to stand up against injustice. Following the great opening song, the band works it's way back and forth between riotous brotherhood dirges to instrumental masterpieces to songs that are very Rancid-esque and the Business-style of attack, such as "Glory O'". "Glory O'" being a track I can see being played in your favorite Irish bar, and instantly the entire crowd breaks out into the refrain, criticizing the sad state of affairs of the War On Terror. Then there is "Poxy Pub", this song reminds me of a bad game show theme song, just the melody though. Otherwise, its a catchy number that will have you bounding around the room with your friends, spilling your Guinness everywhere. Other songs, on this fourteen track disc, bring to mind spilling more beer and blood, all the while forcing you into a well-deserved intoxication. Ultimately, I think that Blood Or Whiskey remind me of The Tossers more than anyone else out there. Both bands are socially aware and aren't afraid to blend it into their music, all the while celebrating their heritage. Blood Or Whiskey will be a perfect addition to your collection of punk meets traditional Irish music. File them in the area where the Pogues meet Rancid. -MG |
