It's ironic that the Dropkick Murphys have become practically synonymous with the words Irish and insurgency, especially since that particular outfit hails from Boston, a city that's separated by several thousand miles from the Emerald Isles.
And while Los Angeles's Flogging Molly purveys a similar sound, the band actually maintains a geographical bond with the old country, courtesy of founder, frontman, and Dublin native Dave King, a former kingpin in the heavy metal crew Fastway.
King's familiarity with Irish tradition is underscored by the group's instrumental makeup, a raucous collision of guitar, fiddle, accordion, mandolin, bass, and drums. Plus, the Flogging Molly leader draws on his own roots and recollections to shape the songs' themes, from childhood memories of religious and political strife to the untimely death of his father, to his forced relocation to the United States.
The anger and defiance embedded in King has become an integral part of his band's sound, as manifested in its brash, defiant anthems.
Happily, you don't have to be Irish to appreciate those saucy sentiments.
Flogging Molly. Saturday, February 12. The Fillmore Miami Beach, 1700 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. and tickets cost $26.50 plus fees via livenation.com.
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