Heyday
Fiddler's Green
•
February 19, 2019
Veteran German folk-rockers FIDDLER'S GREEN have once again released an album that is worth its weight in gold. Having dubbed themselves "speed-folk", FIDDLER'S GREEN album "Heyday" will be out via their own label Deaf Shepherd Recordings March 8, 2019. The description speed-folk is an understatement because "Heyday" is a whirlwind of emotions and boozy goodness. Opening with the aptly titled "The Freak of Enniskillen", FIDDLER'S GREEN easily pull no punches and set the tone for the entirety of "Heyday". That is to say, folk-rock with a massive emphasis on punk, speed, and dare I say metal at times. "No Anthem" is slightly more rock oriented, but nonetheless memorable. If you are looking for strange, fun, and energetic time, then look no further than "Limerick Style". This almost ska-like tune is definitely a major highlight of "Heyday".
FIDDLER'S GREEN keep pumping out songs that are just catchy and have memorable choruses that fans will no doubt scream out at shows. "Slainte" is another such wonderful sing-along tune that is more punk than anything. One of the best songs on the album, "Better You Say No" should be as loud as possible. Catchy as all hell! "Cheer Up" is an upbeat and charming with a punk attitude that makes everyday problems a lot more tolerable.
Another album standout, "One Fine Day" is practically on the verge of folk-metal. Absolutely another winner. Can FIDDLER'S GREEN do no wrong? Title track "Heyday" is a well rounded and perfectly developed song. I would consider this to be a good mix of punk, rock, and folk. One of the best on the album. I predict that album closer "Together as One" will be a crowd favorite that will probably be sung loud by drunken fans. Slow to start, but well worth a listen!
Overall, FIDDLER'S GREEN have produced an album that will surely appeal to Flogging Molly or Dropkick Murphys fans. However, while FIDDLER'S GREEN do have folk tendencies, they also have a style all their own. Perhaps it is more accurate to say they are more akin to The Dubliners. "Heyday" is not a perfect album however, as it does become lengthy at 14 tracks (not including the intro). Plus side however; the songs are not too long. I do not need to remind you that "Heyday" is an excellent, energetic, and boozy good time that should be played loud no matter what event! Catchy as fuck, plain and simple.
9 / 10
Almost Perfect
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"Heyday" Track-listing:
1. Prelude
2. The Freak of Enniskillen
3. No Anthem
4. Limerick Style
5. Farewell
6. Born to be a Rover
7. The Congress Reel
8. Slainte
9. Better You Say No
10. Cheer Up
11. One Fine Day
12. John Kanaka
13. Heyday
14. Steady Flow
15. Together as One
Fiddler's Green Lineup:
Ralf "Albi" Albers - Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Bouzouki, Mandolin, Banjo
Pat Priziwara - Vocals, Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Bouzouki, Mandolin, Banjo
Tobias Heindl - Violin, Vocals
Stefan Klug - Accordion, Bodhran
Rainer Schulz - Bass
Frank Jooss - Drums, Percussion
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