FLATFOOT 56 are releasing their third album on People Like You Records.
FLAT...who? FLATFOOT 56! Never heard of them? No worries, neither had I.
I was all the more curious about the band that has been around for 10 years and is releasing a long player titled “Black Thorn,” which refers back to their roots. Did I mention that FLATFOOT 56 play Celtic punk rock? So the back to the roots theme fits well, but of course, one becomes critical. Recently, punk rock with bagpipes and other old, traditional instruments has almost become a trend. And what can a punk not stand? Trends! It’s already enough that there are Sex Pistols shirts at H&M that have as little to do with punk as the state has to do with anarchy.
FLATFOOT 56 not only bring in the bagpipes but also the mandolin. This adds an even greater folk touch to the sound. The mandolin is not very dominant, but it skillfully sets accents. The band's sound is typical punk rock, powerfully moving forward, sometimes angry, sometimes calm, but always with power and melody. The bagpipes are not as dominant as with The Real Mc Kenzies. The sound is not as gritty as with the Czechs from Pipes & Pints. Overall, the sound, with some exceptions, reminds one of the now-famous Dropkick Murphys. Occasionally, a nod to Rancid shines through. The five from Chicago have found their own style in the ten years of their existence, which draws from the genre greats but never copies them, instead understanding the existing as inspiration. So it’s no surprise that many of the lyrics deal with solidarity and sincerity, as in “Courage” or “Son of Shame.”
What one must commend the band for is that they can play both the powerful, fast punk rock numbers like “Born for this” or “Black Thorn” as well as the calmer songs like the heartfelt “Shiny Eyes” without coming off as embarrassing or forced.
There aren’t many bands that can achieve this. Hats off, FLATFOOT 56!
With “Black Thorn,” the band is releasing a varied album that will surely find some enthusiastic listeners.
This spring, the Chicagoans will go on a European tour, making stops in several German cities. Attending should be a given!
