Flatfoot 56 – Black Thorn

It is truly amazing when bands incorporate instruments that are not traditionally used in Punk rock, and successfully demonstrate how a simple concept like introducing a different instrument goes a long way. Flatfoot 56 tactfully includes a bagpipe and a mandolin to produce music that infuses Celtic-like traits with the vigorous influence of Punk rock. The band’s latest album "Black Thorn", which is released through Old Shoe Records, yields a sound that upholds the ferocity of fast paced music, all while balancing it with the melodic presence of the Celtic influence.

"Black Thorn" maintains diversity throughout the album, providing the listener aggressive beats in a few songs, and melancholic vibes in others. The band’s collaboration of Punk rock and bagpipes will at times appear similar to the music of bands like Flogging Molly and Dropkick Murphys, however, Flatfoot 56′s music demonstrates a more unique interpretation of the love affair between bagpipes and Punk Rock. Flatfoot 56 skillfully showcases their ability to uphold two characteristics of music that otherwise would never even attempt to intermingle, all to create a perfect harmony. "Black Thorn" is inspiring, and evokes the listener’s appreciation of the band’s ability to enhance Punk music through its creative use of distinct instruments. Flatfoot 56 has single-handedly innovated a sub-genre of Punk rock that has garnered little recognition, and with "Black Thorn" alone, will change the face of "Celtic Punk" and set new standards for bands that will inevitably follow in Flatfoot 56′s footsteps.

Band Myspace: www.myspace.com/flatfoot56

Old Shoe Records: www.oldshoerecords.com

 

-Stephanie M.-
Big Wheel Online Magazine
 

 

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