While there is almost always a band to appeal to every individuals personal taste, the truly remarkable occurs when a band comes along that can intrigue anyone.

The Irish band, Flogging Molly, is an amazing kind of band. They are the kind that sucks listeners in with their original sound and keeps them around for the thoughtful lyrics. Often rightly compared to their predecessor The Pogues, Flogging Molly is one of the most original bands out there today.

Flogging Molly’s first album, [ITALICS][Swagger][ITALICS], is a fascinating mix of music. Songs like “Salty Dog,” “Selfish Man,” and “Devil’s Dance Floor” really draw the listener in to the authentic Dublin Pub mood of music created by the vocals of lead singer Dave King. The songs are perhaps some of the best examples of rowdy, uproarious drinking tunes in recent history.

Paired perfectly with the untamed punk are tracks like “Grace of God Go I,” “Far Away Boys,” and “The Worst Day Since Yesterday,” songs which convey an image of the hardships faced by the Irish people. Truly heartbreaking, as well as breathtaking, Flogging Molly manages to touch emotions and attack senses at the same time.

Propelled by the popularity of [ITALICS][Swagger][ITALICS], Flogging Molly was featured in both 2001 and 2002 on the Vans Warped Tour along side bands such as punk pioneers The Vandals.

In March of 2002, Flogging Molly released their second studio album [ITALICS][Drunken Lullabies][ITALICS] to mixed reviews. While [ITALICS] [Drunken Lullabies][ITALICS] is true to the tone set forth by the first album, [ITALICS][Swagger][ITALICS] is superior in that it is more emotional and thought provoking.

Both albums, soaked with originality, as well as beer, are well worth a listen. Flogging Molly is about as close to original punk as any band has come in many years.