Following in the tradition of sonic forefathers such as The Pogues and high-profile contemporaries in the vein of Boston mainstays Dropkick Murphys, The Pubcrawlers’ formula consists of an Oi! punk head flowing off of a frothy glass of Celtic tradition. With a roster of nine multi-instrumentalists, toting everything from electric guitars to bagpipes to accordions, linguists would argue whether this troupe more closely resembles a band or a gang.
This “more is more” approach to musicianship works well for such a collective, whose aim is to document the lives of an endearingly motley crew of vagabonds and ruffians, with so much speed and swagger that you can practically feel the thud of pint glasses being thrown in agreement.
“One Too Many Again,” the follow up to 2005’s “Another Night On The Floor,” is a step in the right direction for the group, with no less energy but rather a tighter, more skillful delivery. It is something to be said when a nine-man ship can be run so efficiently, and it is clear that the group’s frequent live shows have allowed it to further improve its chops.
Working in their favor is the fun and inspired music the boys put together. Refreshingly unpretentious, The Pubcrawlers engage in a storied genre history of glorified debauchery. Emotions run the gamut from booze-soaked battle fatigue in “Sergeant Billy’s Brigade” to “I’ll Tell Me Ma,” the tale of the girl all the boys fight for (when she’s not fighting back).
The rowdiness continues musically as well. A bagpipe introduction to “The Pub” is simultaneously expendable and essential, preceding a melody with more than a few apologies to Rod Stewart’s easygoing jukebox classic “Rhythm Of My Heart.” “Back Home In Derry” makes for an extremely gruff acoustic listen, while “Itchy Fingers/The Wreck Of The Old ‘97” is a solid summation of what is current in the Celt-punk scene.
“One Too Many Again” is not meant to change the world, but rather be the inspiration for boozy Saturday night fun and fights. In that spirit, The Pubcrawlers stay loyal to their roots and rock.
Maine native Bill Earl recently graduated from Ithaca College and has moved to Boston in search of musical fame and fortune.