Search - Flatfoot 56 :: Black Thorn

Flatfoot 56 is a Celtic punk band from Chicago established in 2000. The band consists of Tobin Bawinkel on vocals and guitar, Kyle Bawinkel on bass and backing vocals, Eric McMahon on bagpipes and guitar, Brandon Good on mandolin and guitar, and Justin Bawinkel on drums and backing vocals. After the intro, the album starts with Black Thorn . It s a high energy track where the bands thick Celtic roots shine through. The vocals on this track are crisp and the overall track is very on par. It s a great way to introduce the album. Courage sounds exactly as the title suggests. It s a song with a lot of power hidden in it, and my personal favorite on the album. The song starts out slower and a little light, but really picks up as the track progresses. When We Grow Stronger starts, you think that it s going to be a good track with its thick Celtic sounds being the first thing that you hear. Unfortunately, in this track the singing is strained, almost like they re trying too hard at certain points and the music of it isn t anything to remember. Have you ever heard a song where you start of tapping your toes to the beat, but you can t help to get your whole body into it as it progresses? That s exactly what Way Of The Sun is. It s catchy, upbeat, and the lyrics are easy to sing along to. You Won Me Over is one of the only love songs on the album, and it is executed beautifully. It doesn t slow down for the sake of effect, or have any breakdowns in it. It sticks with the bands feel, and isn t ridiculously cheesy. Every album should go out with a bang and Flatfoot 56 did it perfectly with their song Hot Head . Its fast and hard, and goes back to punk roots. It s the best way to end this album, and will leave you wanting more. Black Thorn is one of those rare albums by one of those rare bands that are confident in their sound. They know what they like, and they know what their fans like. They didn t try to stay away from their sound at all, or sneak a track that leaves you questioning why it s there. Overall, it s a consistent, which at times is exactly what you need to find in an album.