MATT CHEETHAM
Arts Writer
      
Still relatively fresh off their album Float, Flogging Molly was here on Oct. 25 to rock Saskatoon with their Irish vigour as they continue on their first Canadian tour.

The band, despite having notoriety for being an Irish band, was actually formed in Los Angeles 12 years ago. Front man Dave King, who was born in Dublin, formed the band while living in L.A., wanting to do something with a Celtic and punk sound. 

Flogging Molly graced the audience with their presence, as they took the stage to a packed house.

The wait for them affected the crowd like a fever as the two opening bands Inward Eye and Dean Lickyer, despite bringing energy, seemed to underwhelm the audience like an average appetizer. It was apparent the crowd wanted one thing, as their screams and chanting indicated: Flogging Molly.

When they finally arrived, the anticipation was through the roof and Flogging Molly delivered in spades.

They gave off an intoxicating, electric atmosphere, set to a mix of Irish rock, Celtic punk and folk which made the live show extremely enjoyable and ultimately unforgettable.

Seeing this band is truly something else. Notwithstanding their unique sound, Flogging Molly has seven members, all of whom bring something to the table. There is fiddle player Bridget Regan, banjo and mandolin extraordinaire Bob Schmidt, accordion player Matt Hensley, guitarist Dennis Casey, bass guitarist Nathan Maxwell and finally drummer George Schwindt. This group really uses its arsenal of instruments to maximum potential.

Their song selection was no different as the band picked a combination of new and old that really seemed to resonate not only with the crowd but also the band itself. Some of the songs were fan favourites such as “Black Friday Rule,” “Devil’s Dance Floor,” “The Worst Day Since Yesterday” and new hits like “Requiem For A Dying Song” and “Lightning Storm.” All the songs blended well and showed an outlet for the band’s variety as the songs quickly changed from high-paced, electric Celtic rock-punk to somber folksy ballads without missing a beat.

Watching the crowd was also interesting. Everyone was under the same spell of musical enchantment. The crowd went wild as some of the faster paced songs kicked in, making the speakers bleed with an authentic Irish flavour that would be hard to duplicate.

Flogging Molly left the Odeon in a musical blur. As quickly as the experience happened, the memories will remain forever as the night this Celtic punk band stormed the Odeon with their Irish aura and musical intensity.

Saskatoon would be lucky to have them repeat the experience with another Canadian tour in the future.

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photo: Oscar López