A Celtic Punk Revival? — Why you should listen to Falkirk band Brògeal

By Flora Day

The ‘Irish Revival’ is seemingly all anyone can talk about. Irish bands, films, folklore, actors, and fashion are everywhere and almost impossible to ignore. Due to this, Irish bands of all genres are gaining massive attention from international audiences. CMAT and Fontaines D.C.’s mercury prize nominations have only reinforced the popular and critical success of Irish music. Additionally, the release of shows like Netflix’s House of Guinness has further highlighted Irish musicians. With the House of Guinness soundtrack featuring solely Irish music, including the melancholy modern folk of Lankum and the rowdy, passionate music of the Mary Wallopers. Likewise, films like Ryan Coogler’s Sinners have included traditional music, with ‘Rocky Road to Dublin’ having a resurgence within a new and massively diverse audience. For better or for worse, Irish culture and in particular music is on the global stage at the moment. 

Celtic Punk

The folk revival is particularly interesting to me. More importantly, a punk-folk revival that appears to be occurring, with more and more bands influenced by traditional music and combining this with other genres. Fontaines D.C.’s older tracks from the album ‘Dogrel’ are a fantastic example of this blending of different styles, as of course are The Pogues who are viewed as the pioneers of the Celtic-Punk genre. 

As someone who is not a particularly big fan of true punk music, both folk punk and Celtic punk deeply appeal to me. They strike a sweet spot between indie music, punk and folk. Traditional instruments are employed next to electric guitars and basses. With songs often taking inspiration from older folk music or folktales. At its heart, the genre is a celebration of regional cultures. This renewed sense of pride links strongly with the so-called ‘Irish Revival.’ 

However, my focus is not solely on Ireland, to me the most exciting upcoming band within this genre is the Falkirk 5-piece Brògeal. The band are a folk-punk and indie-rock powerhouse, taking inspiration from The Pogues, Scottish Folk and 90s bands like Teenage Fanclub.  Their debut album, ‘Tuesday Paper Club’ released only on the 17th of October, is for me one of the best albums of the year. The band explore the streets of their hometown, from aggressive hard men (Draw the Line) to drunken nights out (Vicar Street Days). On tracks like One for the Ditch, the influence of Irish traditional music is more evident, with a section from traditional song ‘Tell Me Ma’ blended with the band’s own lyrics. The band even cover the song ‘Lonesome Boatmen’, putting a decidedly punk twist on the reel whilst retaining the typical tin whistle.

For all the energy and frenzy of the album, it’s quieter, more soft-hearted moments shine through. ‘Go Home Tae Your Bed’ stands out as a touching tribute to frontman Aidan Callaghan’s dad that was written shortly after his death. With the second verse, sung beautifully by Josie Duncan in Gaelic, it highlights the growing interest in regional languages. ‘Apples and Leaves’ is likewise a softer moment that captures the gentle end to a night out with someone you love. 

For me, each listen of the album brings forward new favourites, however I will highlight two tracks that I feel may be overlooked and seemingly have been in other reviews. ‘Stuck Inside’ is a lingering song that reflects on the end of a long term relationship, a mixture of jangly guitars and the echoing line “You’re just too good for me baby” make this song a true earworm. The other that has the potential to be underappreciated is ‘Lady Madonna’ more on the pop side of folk-punk, it is a fan favourite written in 2020. The chorus has harmonies reminiscent of old school rock n’ roll and has a classic focus on a woman that is just out of reach.

Brògeal’s Show at Voodoo

With shows in Belfast, Galway, Kilkee and two Edinburgh shows sold amongst others, the band are clearly making a name for themselves. The Belfast show was packed out and sweaty with all the energy and heat of a punk gig. The opening song of the set is the very folk sounding ‘Roving Falkirk Bairn’ a song about the band’s hometown, it is truly a love song for the town. Despite it’s initially slower sound, it erupts into an energetic folk track that most of the crowd seemed to know every word to. Their older tracks are long-established favourites, ‘Girl from NYC’ has a shouty call and response chorus that explodes into a screaming shouting finale. The middle of the set highlighted the band’s new album, increasing the already frenzied atmosphere. ‘Vicar Street Days’ and ‘Friday on Mind’ were jubilant dance-worthy moments in this part of the set. All of this energy was followed by a personal favourite of mine ‘Hill is High’ from the band’s EP ‘Brògeal’ another folk heavy moment crowned with intricate bouzouki (Aidan Callaghan) and accordion (Sam MacMillan). One of the band’s most famous songs, ‘You’ll Be Mine’ amped the energy right back up before more heartfelt moments.

‘Go Home Tae Your Bed’ is a beautiful song that silenced the crowd, and it clearly meant a lot to frontman Aidan Callaghan. Part of what was so impressive was his singing in Gaelic, a section he does not originally sing. For me, this was the standout moment in the set, Brògeal’s impressive ability to control the audience from screaming along dancing to quietly swaying to a solemn folk song. The crowd and band did not stay like this for long. ‘Sunday Morning’ another older track saw Daniel Harkins (Vocals and Guitar) crowd-surfing round the room, this was followed by ‘Tuesday Paper Club’ the combination of these two tracks sent the crowd wild. The band’s cover of ‘Lonesome Boatman’ closes out the set in what can only be described as the most Brògeal finale, the perfect fusion of electric guitars and bass with a strong drumbeat all accompanied by Aidan Callaghan’s tin whistle overtop playing the traditional reel. What shines through during the gig is the raw talent in the band and their relationships with one another. At moments letting each other shine and in others complimenting one another perfectly. 

If you have the chance to see Brògeal go and be prepared for craziness. If you don’t get that chance, at least listen to the album and as a matter of fact their entire discography. This is a band that is going to be big and they thoroughly deserve it. Whilst Ireland and Irish bands are trending (as they should be) don’t forget other Celtic nations and regional languages, they contain just as many gems that deserve praise and attention.