I’m trying to get this post in before it’s time for me to be on baby duty for the evening. Here goes: The Swaggerin’ Growlers’ second album Keep Your Head Held High picks up right where their last one, The Bottle And The Bow, left off. The Boston based band has again filled an album full of awesome Irish/Celtic-influenced folk-punk where instruments found in traditional Celtic music like fiddles, tin whistles, accordions, and mandolins are juxtaposed (well, integrated nicely with, perhaps) with a traditional punk rhythm section and rough but not gruff vocals with the occasional female vocal as well.

It’s a fun album that (for at least a moment) can make you forget where you and your sorrows are. It’s the perfect accompaniment for a pint of Guinness or perhaps some Jameson or Redbreast whiskey. While much of Keep Your Head Held High is fast-paced and a raucous good time, there are a good number of songs that will keep you glued to your barstool reflecting on what a mess your life has become. On a few songs I even find almost ska-sounding upstroked guitars creeping in as well. It’s all well and good though as Keep Your Head Held High is another solid and thoroughly enjoyable album from these guys. Besides, who doesn’t love drinking songs and a band that name checks Social Distortion and the Bouncing Souls in their lyrics? Exactly. RIYL: Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly, The Pogues, etc…

MP3 | The Swaggerin’ Growlers – Keep Your Head Held High Keep Your Head Held High
MP3 | The Swaggerin’ Growlers – Heaven Can Wait Keep Your Head Held High