Released: May 31, 2011
Genre: Punk rock, Celtic rock
Label: Borstal Beat Records
Number Of Tracks: 12
The sound is fist pumping jumping like usual But the songs are getting a little bit slower and shorter and not as much screaming.
Speed Of Darkness
Reviewed by:
siahjo, on june 29, 2011 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: While some people have panned this album for the large amount of slower songs on it, I personally think the way this album is structured perfectly. Inspired by Dave and Bridget's new hometown of Detroit, it perfectly captures the angst, sadness and hopefulness the town now goes through on a daily basis. Opening - and title track - "Speed Of Darkness" sets the tone for the effort. While it rocks harder than most of the songs on here, it doesn't feel out of place. "Revolution", the second single, is a perfect song to segue into. While the lyrics may be a little off-putting, they seem to work with the music. "The Heart Of The Sea" follows, and while decent, it seems to fall a little flat, as if they put it on here for the people who'll complain about a more "mature" album from a band best known for singing about being "seven drunken pirates". It doesn't flow with the album so well. "Don't Shut 'Em Down" is the first single, and it was, in my opinion, the wrong choice for a single. It's just an odd style of song, despite the lyrics fitting in quite well. The fifth song on the album - "The Power's Out" - is the standout track, talking about how people deal with living in squalor and demanding accountability from CEOs and others in power ("The CEO must go!") "So Sail On" is the first "true" slow song, and while it slows the feel of the album down, it more than makes up for it in raw emotion. The song is a joy to hear live; just try not to tear up a bit if you're fortunate enough to witness it. "Saints & Sinners" is the song that should have been the leadoff single, in my opinion. Powerful and poignant, it should have been the only choice, and was amazing to see live, as well. "This Present State Of Grace" talks some more about the state of affairs in this country and how we deal with our economy being in shambles. "The Cradle Of Humankind" continues a run of slow songs (3 in a row), but this is by no means a bad thing. "Oliver Boy (All Of Our Boys)" compares the attempted genocide of the Irish people by Oliver Cromwell (get the title now?) to our current situation in Iraq. Well-written, well thought out, and, well... Good. This album also features Bridget's vocal debut on "A Prayer For Me In Silence", where she trades singing duties with husband and lead singer Dave. The other standout track from the album and the only love song. My only complaint is that it's too short. Finally, the album ends with "Rise Up". This song is all about standing together as one and ending needless fighting with one another. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: Dave King has finally decided to attempt to create Flogging Molly's magnum opus, and I for one believe he's done it. The lyrics on this album perfectly reflect the times we live in, particularly for those living in Detroit. I don't believe he could have done any better on this album. // 10
Impression: Overall, this is one of the albums of the year. Not just from (Celtic) punk bands, but in general. I wasn't expecting to love this album as much as I do, but after the first two listens, I can't get enough of it. It has yet to leave my CD player, and I bought it over two weeks ago (you remember buying CDs instead of illegally downloading it, right?) The best songs on the album are "The Power's Out", "So Sail On", "Saints & Sinners", and "A Prayer For Me In Silence". Every song is good, but those are the best. I can't say enough good things about this album; go buy it now. Right now. Do it right now. If someone stole this album, I would buy five more copies and lock away four of them. 2011 belongs to the Irish. // 10
Speed Of Darkness
Reviewed by:
maximumride, on june 24, 2011 0 of 23 people found this review helpful
Sound: As always the sound is awesome. The violin player, Bridgit, was pregnent and now she's not so I suspect she had a boy. Probably naming him Oliver because one song is titled "Oliver boy(all of our boys)" The sound is fist pumping jumping like usual But the songs are getting a little bit slower and shorter and not as much screaming:) // 10
Lyrics and Singing: Lyrics are awesome as always. All of the lyrics flow with the music. In the song "Revolution" at the beginning David King pauses after each line he sings. And after the fifth time hearing it know whats comming after he sings! David King's skills are still pretty awesome in this one as all the other ones. // 9
Impression: I love all the songs on this but my favorite is "Don't shut 'em down" and "Oliver boy(all of our boys)" But what I hate about it is all of the sad slow songs. Probably half of them are sad and slow. And there's only twelve songs on there. If it were lost and it wasn't on itunes I would definatly buy it again for my dad's sake! // 9
Major copy issues:
"The violin player, Bridget, was pregnant and apparently named her child Oliver because one song is titled 'Oliver Boy (All Of Our Boys).'"
"The sound is fist-pumping and jumping [?] as usual, but the songs are getting a little bit slower and shorter, and there isn't as much screaming."
"At the beginning of 'Revolution,' David King pauses after each line he sings."
"And after the fifth time hearing it, the listener [?] knows what's coming after he sings!"
"King's skills are pretty awesome in this one as in all their other albums."
"I love all the songs on this, but my favorites are 'Don't Shut 'Em Down' and 'Oliver Boy (All Of Our Boys).'"
"And there are only twelve songs."
"If it were lost and not on iTunes, I would definitely buy it again for my dad's sake!"
Phew.
I like Flogging Molly. Seeing them would suit my interests. Since I'm spending time abroad and still somewhat of a Luddite when it comes to downloading, I'm refraining from picking it up on iTunes. Then again, you don't need to be Muhammad Ali to know when someone's a horrible boxer.
This review tells me little about their latest album. Where are the specifics? Even if I look beyond the glaring typographical errors, I am unable to find much of substance. What makes the sound awesome? When are the lyrics awesome? Why would you buy it again?
Is this the quality of writing it takes to make the daily front page?
Take the time to run a grammar check on Word- it goes a long way.
Additionally, and more importantly, this was too much of a review, not a critique. It's like you're reviewing a box of cereal and you open it up and tell us the colour of he cereal and that it tasted good. What is 'good'? Is 'good' salty or crunchy or sweet or sour? Saying that YOU would buy it for YOUR DAD's sake or that YOU like Flogging Molly because they suit YOUR interest doesn't do much for the average ready who doesn't know your particular preferences :/
Listen kid, if you're 11 years old, you really shouldn't even be trying to write a serious review. I highly doubt that you've ever taken a journalism class, as is evidence by your writing and your age. All you're gonna get out of it is hell. In addition, your last post doesn't really help your argument, since music is, frankly, music, regardless of the listener's age. Do these for your own entertainment in your spare time, or whatever, and try this again once you really know what to do. And you don't need a person to check it, all you need is Microsoft Word.
I've been a Flogging Molly fan for a long time, but every time I've tried to sit down and listen to this album I just get bored. The energy from their previous album has faded with this release, seems like it started with Float and this album proved that the energy is gone to me. Might be that Dave isn't handling the yelling as well anymore, but the memories of their live shows will always go down as the best live shows I've seen....next to Frank Turner.
I was going to write a review for this album, but didn't because I had no idea what I was going to say. I've listened to it over and over and am still unable to come up with anything. Looking at this though, I really think I should have given it a shot. Maybe if I had, this "review" would never have existed...
I think probably the most hilarious thing i ever read in a review is the "I love all songs, but i hate the slow ones, which is about half of them"-part
let the kid have his moment of fame guys!
wouldn't you have shit your pants if something you posted on the internet got featured, regardless of how shitty it is?
Listen kid, if you're 11 years old, you really shouldn't even be trying to write a serious review. I highly doubt that you've ever taken a journalism class, as is evidence by your writing and your age. All you're gonna get out of it is hell. In addition, your last post doesn't really help your argument, since music is, frankly, music, regardless of the listener's age. Do these for your own entertainment in your spare time, or whatever, and try this again once you really know what to do. And you don't need a person to check it, all you need is Microsoft Word.
Stop giving the kid shit and blame UG who puted that there. They could have not publushed but they did.
this kid is eleven and is interested in writing and msuic and youre giving him shit for that, youre lame.
and yeah my gramma sux get over it. enlish is not my mother tongue.
Listen kid, if you're 11 years old, you really shouldn't even be trying to write a serious review. I highly doubt that you've ever taken a journalism class, as is evidence by your writing and your age. All you're gonna get out of it is hell. In addition, your last post doesn't really help your argument, since music is, frankly, music, regardless of the listener's age. Do these for your own entertainment in your spare time, or whatever, and try this again once you really know what to do. And you don't need a person to check it, all you need is Microsoft Word.
I challenge you to find any 11 year old kid that has taken journalism and knows his way around microsoft office. When you do, make sure you remind yourself just how douchey you are.
let the kid have his moment of fame guys!
wouldn't you have shit your pants if something you posted on the internet got featured, regardless of how shitty it is?
Well, the people who do get features usually do it by putting time, research, and effort into their review. I know he is just a kid, but kids need to understand that maturity comes with age. You can't put every single thing up that a kid wrote just out of sympathy. It's not helpful in the least to the community and it's just plain unprofessional.
Well, the people who do get features usually do it by putting time, research, and effort into their review. I know he is just a kid, but kids need to understand that maturity comes with age. You can't put every single thing up that a kid wrote just out of sympathy. It's not helpful in the least to the community and it's just plain unprofessional.
thats all good and fine, I agree, it shouldn't be featured, but its not like the kid asked for it. He probably listened to the album, he liked it and wanted to say his opinion. UG messed up by putting him on the front page, if anyone is to blame, its them. The kid was probably really happy when he saw his review on the main page, and cus of all the douchey comments telling him he needs to first "take a journalism class", he may never write a review again, which is a shame, cus if he starts writing now, he might be amazing in 6 years. All I'm saying is, dont hate on the kid. Hate on UG, the kid's done nothing wrong, despite how bad the review was.
It's good that the kid is taking an interest in writing about music and all that, but it is just plain unprofessional for UG to feature it, or even accept it. UG should send it back to him with a list of reasons why it sucks and he'll improve as a writer, don't let him think this is acceptable.
Also, everyone seems to be forgetting the reason any of us are on this page; decent album.
I have many issues, but I'll just post one: "Oliver BOy" is about Oliver Cromwell, who pretty much committed genocide on the Irish people, and is also comparing his actions to the current war in Iraq. Do research, boyo.
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Was this review helpful to you? 
Why doesn't someone else write a review? I'm going to have to torrent this now...
"The violin player, Bridget, was pregnant and apparently named her child Oliver because one song is titled 'Oliver Boy (All Of Our Boys).'"
"The sound is fist-pumping and jumping [?] as usual, but the songs are getting a little bit slower and shorter, and there isn't as much screaming."
"At the beginning of 'Revolution,' David King pauses after each line he sings."
"And after the fifth time hearing it, the listener [?] knows what's coming after he sings!"
"King's skills are pretty awesome in this one as in all their other albums."
"I love all the songs on this, but my favorites are 'Don't Shut 'Em Down' and 'Oliver Boy (All Of Our Boys).'"
"And there are only twelve songs."
"If it were lost and not on iTunes, I would definitely buy it again for my dad's sake!"
Phew.
I like Flogging Molly. Seeing them would suit my interests. Since I'm spending time abroad and still somewhat of a Luddite when it comes to downloading, I'm refraining from picking it up on iTunes. Then again, you don't need to be Muhammad Ali to know when someone's a horrible boxer.
This review tells me little about their latest album. Where are the specifics? Even if I look beyond the glaring typographical errors, I am unable to find much of substance. What makes the sound awesome? When are the lyrics awesome? Why would you buy it again?
Is this the quality of writing it takes to make the daily front page?