| That was then...this is now!
 The
new year holds plenty of musical promise with a wealth of jigging, foot-tapping
and gigging to be had by all — so here is just a small selection
of new releases that will hopefully appear throughout the course of the
year...
If previous release patterns are anything to go by, then a new record
from those Irish Americans Flogging Molly should hopefully be with us
at some point over the next 12 months. There’s so far been no official
word from the band as to their plans, but when new material does surface,
expect more of the same driving Irish-influenced rock that was the basis
of 2004’s Within A Mile Of Home album.
The Norwegian Celtic rock band Greenland Whalefishers are set to launch
a new album Down and Out in March this year which will be preceded by
the single Hit the Ground a few weeks earlier.
The main man behind The Tossers — vocalist and mandolin maestro
Tony Duggins — releases his first solo album in January entitled
Undone.
Featuring a host of covers of classic songs as well as a few originals,
it should make for an enjoyable and interesting listen sounding something
like a stripped-down minimalist Tossers.
Also due to see the light early this year is the long overdue CD Take
No Prisoners by The Mahones. The Canadians have had a very quiet but busy
year writing, recording and mastering the record which features a host
of guests including Scruffy Wallace of the Dropkick Murphys. It will be
good to have them back with their infectious, rocking Celtic sound.
Now be sure to take cover and lock away your booze — Aussie band
Mutiny return after a long absence with new members and new songs in the
bag. Recent shows have road tested the new line-up and material on a live
audience and according to the band there will be an EP released in the
early part of the year, and you never know, maybe even a full-length album
at a later date. Welcome back!
Ex-Blood or Whiskey writer and vocalist Barney Murray spent a large part
of 2005 writing and demoing his new solo material, two songs of which
were made available as free downloads from various websites. Both received
very positive feedback from all who were lucky enough to hear them.
It’s not clear yet if any official releases will follow this year
but there’s a strong possibility that they will. One thing for sure
though is that after all his troubles of the past few years, its great
to have Barney back making music once again.
 Another mention
for London’s finest Neck, who shall shortly be holing themselves
up in the studio to record a brand spanking new single. Be sure to watch
out for that in the coming months. There’s been no news on a new
album as yet so until then keep yourselves content by catching one of
their storming live shows.
And finally, February will see the release of Shite ‘n’ Onions
Volume 2 — a compilation album which draws together tracks from
some of the best new and up and coming Paddy Punk / folk rock bands. Volume
2 sees the likes of Larkin, The Peelers, The Pubcrawlers and Barney Murray
together on what should be a great follow up to Volume 1.
There’s also bound to be a few surprise releases from new bands
and artists. So it looks like it’s all shaping up to be a good musical
year once again — so sit back, have yourself a beer or three and
enjoy some great Celtic music in the months to come.
For all the latest news and reviews and all things Paddy Punk worldwide
check out www.shitenonions.com
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