Flogging Molly at City Aud

Walking into May 4th’s Flogging Molly and Drowning Men concert at the Colorado Springs City Auditorium a feeling that rarely accompanies me, especially going into a show, began to creep up from within, and that was the feeling of apprehension.  For it was almost exactly a year ago to the day that I first saw, photographed and reviewed Flogging Molly.  An event/review that a few readers may recall, as the public/fans opinion of my critique was not very favorable in the least, but from that backlash something positive emerged. 

After taking in the comments from what was an obviously very loyal fan base, I began to explore more about the band and their music to see if maybe I had missed something in my initial experience, or if it was just that something didn’t click. Listening to albums such as Drunken Lullabies, Float and especially the live disc, Whiskey on a Sunday, plus learning more about their beginnings at Molly Malone’s bar, I could definitely see why they had garnered such a loyal fan base.  Doing research on the band has led me to become one as well.  Meaning that something hadn’t clicked with the first encounter and it was that which lead to the feelings of apprehension and uncertainty, but it was to late to turn back at this point, all I could do was walk through the door and hope for the best.

Starting the evening out was the Drowning Men, a quintet from Oceanside, CA whose musical melodies would seem right at home in any bar in Dublin.  Featuring Vocalist/Guitarist/Keyboardist/Mandolin player Nato Bardeen, Bassist Todd Eisenkerch, Lead Guitarist James Smith, Percussionist Rory Dolan, and Keyboardist Gabelani Messer.  Drowning Men have a sound that I can only describe as the Beatles being lead by Roger Waters playing Celtic Carnival music.  Like I said, they’d fit in any bar in Dublin.  I was very impressed overall by both their sound and performance, but did notice that Nato’s vocals began to strain as the set went on.  However, I think that Dave King summed it up best after finishing Flogging Molly’s second song by basically stating that the altitude had already killed him and it was only the Guinness keeping him going.

 Which now leads me to the main event, Flogging Molly!  As the lights went down and the knot in my stomach began to rise to my throat, Dave King, Bridgett Regan, Matt Hensley, Nathen Maxwell, Dennis Casey, George Schwindt, and Bob Schmidt, also known as, Flogging Molly, exploded onto the stage.  Starting the evening off with songs such as “Likes of You Again”, “Swagger” and the title track off of their soon to be released fifth studio album, Speed of Darkness, before continuing to rip into crowd favorites like, “Drunken Lullabies” and “Salty Dog” this band never gave the crowd a chance to rest.  No wonder Dave felt dead.  His energetic performance would have left a Colorado native gasping for breath.  I know that I was.  This was the Flogging Molly that I’d heard so much about!

As the concert continued I realized that the lump in my throat had disappeared and had been replaced by the soreness that accompanies screaming too much.  This band just rocked the hut!  And it was in that phrase that the answer to what hadn’t clicked the first time was uncovered.  Word of advise to you guys, make sure that the venue’s you play can adequately support the energy levels that you produce!  Thank you for such an amazing return.  I look forward to round three!

CHECK OUT WARREN EPSTEIN’S INTERVIEW WITH THE BAND.

Flogging Molly Photo by PHOTOS BY JEFF KEARNEY

Drowning Men Photo by

Drowning Men Photo by