Figure Four Music – 06 May 2022
Celt-punk powerhouses The Rumjacks and Flatfoot 56 team up for an international split.
I’m not sure if The Rumjacks and Flatfoot 56 decided to do a split to celebrate the fact that they were planning to tour together, or if they went on tour to celebrate their split. Either way, I got the record at one of those shows, and the tour and record were both a match made in celt-punk heaven.
Aussies (plus one American) The Rumjacks get side A, and waste no time in getting things off to a rip roaring start. “Whitecaps” is a straight up punk banger (with a little chiming mandolin) about the rising threat of white supremacy. “Fifth Ward Firestorm” is an aggressive traditional sounding song with some tin whistle great gang vocals. The Rumjacks wrap up their side of the record with a fun, whimsical folk song called “What Was Your Name in the States?”. You’ll be singing along to all three in no time.
Flatfoot 56 has always felt like a punk (maybe even street punk) band that just happens to incorporate traditional instruments. “Mud” has some mandolin and bagpipes, but the electric guitar is front and center. “Sorry” turns up the aggression, but also lets the highland bagpipes have more room in the mix. “Trouble” lets the mandolin shine a bit too. All three songs are growers not showers, but ultimately have a depth worthy of singer Tobin Bawinkel’s raspy baritone.
For vinyl fiends: Officially this is an Australian release, but it’s also currently available domestically. The six song split is pretty basic, but well done. The 12-inch 45 RPM vinyl feels like 180 gram, and it includes an insert.
Part-time punk writer, suburban dad and angry old man. Follow my adventures on the Punk Till I Die podcast!
