In need of a little illumination...
For many years now, Flogging Molly has dominated the border that lies between folk and punk. Alongside the likes of Dropkick Murphys, the band have established themselves as one of the finest names in the fused genre; a name to which many would be delighted to be compared. Yet whilst artists such as The Dreadnoughts are now hydrating us with refreshingly exciting albums, Flogging Molly finally seem to be steadily drying out.
Do not be alarmed; 'Speed of Darkness' does still pack a powerful punch in places. Opening title track 'Speed of Darkness' and 'Revolution' both immediately exert strains of punk rock rowdiness, but such traits do become less prevalent as the album progresses, with passion-fuelled 'Oliver Boy (All of Our Boys)' the only other pulse-raising track worth noting. Whilst many may begin to lament the loss of frivolity, the seven-piece have taken the opportunity to flourish in a new light, with instrumentalists Matt Hensley (accordions), Bob Schmidt (mandolin and banjos) and Bridget Regan (violin and tin whistle) all particularly shining. Regen's value is certainly not restricted to her instrumental contributions, with her being gifted the centre stage for 'A Prayer For Me in Silence'. Temporarily adopting the role of lead vocalist, she teams with frontman and husband Dave King, with Regan's melodious voice complementing her counterpart surprisingly effectively. Despite being less than two minutes in duration, it is one of the most beautifully striking tracks on the album and suggests that the alternative side of Flogging Molly that we are increasingly seeing may not be such a bad thing after all.
Although they are now an established element of the band's identity, the political undercurrents of Flogging Molly's songs have definitely risen to prominence for 'Speed of Darkness' and aids the ensemble in forming an overall maturity that is not uncommon for a band of such age. The subject matter of this album is highly relatable and bears substantial appeal to a recession-stricken Western civilization. Whilst the poetry speaks with emotional sincerity, the music often struggles to compete with such intensity. 'So Sail On', 'The Present State of Grace' and 'The Cradle of Humankind', for example, are all enchantingly pleasant folk songs, yet they just seem to dilute the fundamental boisterousness of the Flogging Molly spirit.
'Speed of Darkness' could quite possibly be an album that will be loved by die-hard Flogging Molly fans only, practicing a sound that has evolved to test the allegiance of their fan-base. There is nothing majorly wrong with the latest direction taken by the Californian septet, but rather that it leaves you longing for a return to the era of 'Drunken Lullabies'.