Boiled In Lead – King of the Dogwoods
This ensemble is a uniquely conceived Celtic punk band with world-music influences sewn in. I became familiar with 1989’s “From the Ladle To The Grave,” just out of curiosity. It was a peculiar approach, blending dark vintage folk songs & traditional Irish dance music. Their ability to mix various music structures from varied cultures is skillful. There’s often an element of surprise in their showcase, as it was outlined in their press release & that’s accurate.
There are 12 tunes on their 12th LP King of the Dogwoods (Drops March 20/Omnium Records/43:01), self-produced by the band & recorded in Minneapolis, MN. Starting their musical journey in 1983, the new tunes begin with a heavy atmospheric up close vocal presence with upbeat music cloaked in airy Celtic violin.
The vocals are not as gritty as Shane McGowan’s or as beguiling as Black 47’s Larry Kirwan, but the title track, “The King of the Dogwoods,” has all the affirmation of a wonderfully rendered piece. There are instrumentals, jigs, & reels strewn into the fabric — all fiery, melodic, & driving. The momentum is decisive if not consistent.
There’s no lack of skill as these musicians implement their showcase with accomplished talent & impressive precision. You’d think they were from Britain instead of Minneapolis. Like the fiery twin violins of Burning Bridgett Cleary, they’d more than likely impress Irish & Scottish audiences.
From the Celtic roots, they cruise into a more country-folk (“I’ll Sing You) Sail Away, Ladies,” which is closer to the Clancy Brothers or The Chieftains than the Pogues or Oyster Band. But these are not paint-by-number tunes; these are high-octane performances. I believe their secret is in their enduring arrangements – every tune is distinctly perfect as they glide through their playing with notes upon notes floating like a heavy ship in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, like a glass bottle.
If you wonder how French music penetrated Louisiana, its Delta, Creole & Cajun traditions with charged zydeco music, one listen to the masterful “Je T’aime, Helena,” will explain. Superb stuff. Focusing on the vocals of Haley Olson (violin/vocals) is “Winifer Odd,” a lovely, somewhat awkward ballad that’s still captivating as Haley sings through its verses. The band manages to keep some tunes grounded in an Oyster Band/Spirit of the West/Great Big Sea style & Paul Winter Consort world music luster. This comes with colorful language in the percussive “Bold Lovell” & the dynamic “Adje Jano.”
One of the year’s best albums for sure.
Highlights – “The King of the Dogwoods,” “Bucimis,” “Slip Jigs,” (“I’ll Sing You) Sail Away, Ladies,” “Haley’s Reels,” “Je T’aime, Helena,” “Winifer Odd,” “Bold Lovell,” “Keshenever Bulger,” & “Adje Jano.”
Musicians – Todd Menton (vocals/guitars/mandolin/whistle/bodhran/bgv), Drew Miller (bass) & Morris Engel (drums).
Color image courtesy of the band’s Facebook. CD @ https://boiledinlead.com/