FLOGGING MOLLY // SWG3, GLASGOW
Flogging Molly sold their enjoyment to be back in Glasgow and gave the crowd the knees up that the group is known for.
★★★★☆ (4/5)
FLOGGING MOLLY PERFORMING AT GLASGOW’S SWG3
PHOTOCREDIT: FRANK MURPHY
The seven-piece Irish-American punk folk-ers have been blasting out pacey ditties since their humble beginnings in the 90s. The group is notorious for their energy and for their live performances which are filled with guts and gusto. They create tracks that move the listener both figuratively and literally. With songs that are beautiful odes to some of the rawest experiences of life and listening can be transformative and euphoric. Their songs are freeing and filled with Celtic charm and uninhibited rebellion.
Flogging Molly are currently embarking on a huge international tour that culminates with their five day long Caribbean epic Salty Dog Cruise. This unbelievable yearly boat trip goes from Miami and along through the Bahamas and in previous years has featured Rancid, Less Than Jake, Buzzcocks and The Offspring. This is the first year that they are running the cruise for more than three days, and with the promise of an open bar and a line up including Pennywise and Stiff Little Fingers, it’s no surprise the holiday is sold out and running a waiting list.
With the kick off the European leg of their tour in Glasgow, it’s the independent venue SWG3 that was the lucky host for the group’s Scottish night. Unfortunately this awkwardly long, rectangle shaped venue leaves a large amount of the fans stuck too far back from the action. However there was no shortage of merriment amongst the chirpy crowd that filled the space to the rafters.
The set was a blink and you’ll miss it whirl that hurtled by furiously. The space was thrust into life with appreciation as the group played opener ‘Drunken Lullabies.’ Despite a slightly shaky start with this track and ‘Tobacco Island,’ where they peaked with an intense blare of almost indistinguishable sound, Flogging Molly pulled together got into their swing. By ode to Ukraine ‘Song of Liberty’ all were captivated and eating out of the band’s hands.
Their true mastery of the live performance was shown in the brilliant ‘These Times Have Got Me Drinking/Tripping Up the Stairs’ and the older ‘Devil’s Dancefloor.’ Lead vocalist Dave King is a frontman through and through. He bubbled with excitement and jigs his way through the night with relentless enthusiasm. The group was on form as they sailed into ‘Life Begins and Ends (But Never Fails)’ and the fluttering chant of the song is clear and crisp.
They closed the main set with the poignant ‘If I Ever Leave This World Alive’ before and an incredible encore of ‘Black Friday Rule’ and ‘Salty Dog.’ However the night would not be complete without the band’s traditional and optimistic Monty Python closer ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.’ Flogging Molly lived up to hype are as unforgettable as everyone says they are. Listen to them and get your blood pumping.
