If I tell you that the Staggerers play rip-roaring, whiskey fueled celtic punk you should know exactly what I mean.
And they do.
The reasons that I've been spinning this CD more than any of the other celtic punk that's come my way in the last few years are first: it's heavy on the mandolin. I love mandolin and Timmy Puke's* playing infuses the music with an Americana flavor and also makes it perfect for when you get gussied up in your best pirate costume.
Secondly, the band hasn't reached the point of presenting polished songs and pretty ballads. These songs are as rough as the hand that plays them.
The Staggerers are drunk, foul-mouthed, snotty assed punks. They revel in this, and more power to 'em I say. Check out tunes like "KNIFE TO THE EYE!", "Pitbulls Don't Play Banjo" and (kinda difinitive) "Kill the Liver", this is a well named band: the songs they play incite drinking, stumbling and singing along.
"Year of the Bastard" is a full-bore blast of "night before" music, and is gauranteed to aggravate your hangover the next morning.
Cheers!
*Yes, Puke. Other player's last names include: McSod, Odor, Liquor and Shite. If this sort of thing bothers you it's a safe bet this isn't the right band for you.
