Imagine a fiddle plugged into an amplifier.
Imagine that fiddle pumping out traditional folk with a Metallica edge, throw in an accordian, and you’ve come up with the sound of the Pogues.
On tour away from their homes in Ireland, this six-piece band is now touring Canada with their punked up renditions of classic Irish working class tunes. They hit one of Montreal’s most popular stages, Metropolis, just before St. Patrick’s Day, and the crowd went wild with enthusiasm.
With six albums to their name and a reputation for raunchy, slam-dance inducing performances, the Pogues have gathered a loyal following over the years. Audiences can’t help but sing along because the music strikes an uncommon and touching balance of folk melodies from a people’s past with elecrifying rhythms and beats of today.
The Pogues find their roots in the late night Irish pub anthems which lament the British rule over Ireland, the troubles of the working class poor and the woes of loving but not being loved back. They find comfort in song, and in the company of friends and neighbours.
You can check out their unique sound on their albums. The last one is called Waiting for Herb.
