Today we delve into the world of Irish punk and take a look at two of the most famous bands in this genre: Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly. Both bands are masters at combining traditional Irish music with the energy and attitude of punk rock. But despite their similarities, they each have a unique style and story of their own. Let’s compare these two musical heavyweights.
The roots: Boston meets Los Angeles
The Dropkick Murphys were founded in 1996 in Quincy, Massachusetts, a city that is part of the Boston metropolitan area. This proximity to Boston, a city with a large Irish community, is strongly reflected in their music. The band members are proud of their working class heritage, which is reflected in many of their lyrics and melodies.
Flogging Molly, on the other hand, was formed in 1997 in Los Angeles, California, under the leadership of Irish-American singer Dave King. King’s Irish roots and his youth in Dublin had a huge influence on the band’s sound and themes. Los Angeles as a multicultural melting pot brought additional influences to their music, resulting in a diverse sound palette.
Lyrical themes: Working class and history vs. personal narratives
The Dropkick Murphys‘ lyrics are strongly influenced by the themes of the working class, patriotism and Irish history. Tunes like “Worker’s Song” and “Rose Tattoo” often speak of pride, struggle and solidarity. Their lyrics are direct and sometimes provocative, which fits well with their hard-hitting musical style.
Flogging Molly, on the other hand, tend to deal with more personal and introspective topics in their lyrics. Dave King often writes about his own experiences and observations, which gives their songs a personal touch. Tracks like “What’s Left of the Flag” and “The Seven Deadly Sins” show how the band conveys deeper emotions and stories through their music.
Musical style: Tradition meets punk
The Dropkick Murphys are known for their raw, energetic style, which is often heavily influenced by punk rock. With a combination of traditional Irish instruments such as bagpipes, tin whistle and accordion as well as powerful guitar riffs and fast drums, they create an unmistakable sound. Songs like “Shipping Up to Boston” and “The State of Massachusetts” are prime examples of their ability to combine the raw energy of punk with Irish melodies.
Flogging Molly, however, rely more heavily on a mixture of folk, punk and sometimes even elements of rock and bluegrass. Their music is often more melodic and their lyrics profound and narrative. Tracks like “Drunken Lullabies” and “If I Ever Leave This World Alive” show their ability to tell emotional stories and encourage dancing at the same time. The violin and accordion play a central role here and give her music an unmistakable touch.
Live performances: energetic and captivating
Both bands are known for their energetic live performances.
Dropkick Murphys offer a raw and intense stage show that thrills the audience and encourages them to sing and dance along. Their concerts are loud, chaotic and simply fun.
Flogging Molly also offer a rousing live performance, often focusing more on musical virtuosity and a closer connection with the audience. Their shows are known for their lively atmosphere and ability to convey a wide emotional range. For several years now, the band has organized the SALTY DOG CRUISE, a multi-day punk rock cruise from Florida that features Flogging Molly as well as other bands from the Celtic punk and punk rock genres.
