In recent years, folk-punk has become a trend. Anyone who can hold a banjo and played in a combo with guitar, bass, and drums suddenly made folk-punk. Now, it may indeed be a real enrichment for some bands when a new instrument enters the music. However, I doubt that this happened without ulterior motives. Moreover, there were plenty of bands that were more show than substance.
THE ROUGHNECK RIOT from Warrington in the northwest of England are a pleasant exception. In 2010, they released their debut, and since then, the six-piece has been taken on tour by many bands, with references including The Real McKenzies, Street Dogs, Sham 69, The Buccaneers, or Talco.
The relentless touring has left its mark on their second record “This is our Day“. The interplay is perfect, and the band knows how they need to sound. The sound is perfectly mixed and, despite all the professionalism, it’s gritty enough not to drift into the tough-guy image of Dropkick Murphys.
The Brits use accordion, banjo, and mandolin alongside drums, bass, and guitar.
Stylistically, they incorporate traditional folk as an equal style alongside their fast punk rock sound and blend it into an exhilarating brew. Live, the mix is likely to go off like an overdose of speed. The band hardly hits the brakes on their CD with its twelve songs, but instead floors the gas as if there were no tomorrow. Add to that the perfect interplay and the intuitive knack for good and danceable melodies. It’s a sound you fall in love with spontaneously and that becomes addictive.
For those who think in boxes, THE ROUGHNECK RIOT can be placed somewhere between Flogging Molly and clean Pipes & Pints.
A charming record from a band that also addresses political and social issues.
With “This is our Day“, THE ROUGHNECK RIOT have released one of the best folk-punk records of late. That says something given the current competition in the genre. Anyone who likes folk punk will love THE ROUGHNECK RIOT!
