Flogging Molly — Float

This Los Angeles septet picked up the ball from The Pogues and have probably become the most successful band of the past 10 years to blend traditional instrumentation, punk energy and Celtic spirit. "Requiem For A Dying Song" is the first, and perhaps best, song. The up-tempo Celtic rocker showcases accordion, fiddle and Uilleann pipes, which doesn't make it unusual for the group, but it still stands out. "You Won't Make A Fool Out Of Me" is proudly defiant, while the spoke-sung lyrics of "Punch Drunk Grinning Soul" fit well with its marching beat. There are rat-a-tat-tat drums on the hard-charging "Paddy's Lament" as well, while "Man With No Country" impresses with its breakneck pace. The band slow things down a bit on the title track and "Us Of Lesser Gods" before easing up all the way into ballad territory on the closing "The Story So Far." People who like this kind of music usually like it a lot, but Float probably won't make many new converts.