SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: OLD MAN FLANAGAN’S GHOST – SIMPLE LITTLE BOAT

OLD MAN FLANAGAN’S GHOST
SIMPLE LITTLE BOAT
INDEPENDENT

An act that is well-known for tearing it up in pubs, and at festivals and public events, the Toronto indie Celtic stalwarts Old Man Flanagan’s Ghost (OMFG) have released their third studio album, a 12-song offering titled Simple Little Boat.

Those who have seen the band play live will be well aware of their boisterous, high-energy shows, playing Celtic favourites, and a smattering of originals. What passing fans may not be aware of is the quality of the songwriting and original music that Old Man Flanagan’s Ghost are capable of. This is where Simple Little Boat comes in. The songs, all written by singer-guitarist Stephen Lamb,  are a cross-section of Celtic styles. This album plays like a lost work from The Dubliners, with a dash of MacGowanesque punk energy and a nod to Stan Rogers’ bearing and phrasing.

The band, along with producer Murray Foster (late of Moxy Früvous, Great Big Sea, and The Cocksure Lads) have created a fresh sound within a traditional genre. The feel is comfortable and the arrangements are interesting. One feels as if they have heard this music before – not because it is derivative, but because it is authentic.

The core band of Old Man Flanagan’s Ghost is the engine that drives this album. With Stephen Lamb on guitar and vocals, Matti Palonen on double bass, tin whistle and vocals, Bexy Ashworth on fiddle and vocals, and Scot Allan on percussion and vocals, the essence of the band’s sound is fleshed out on record. The project is elevated by a number of guest musicians including drummer Kyle Sullivan, fiddler Alanna Jenish, Michael O’Grady on accordion and tin whistle, Spencer Murray on flute and pipes, Gary Grant on bodhrán, and Emily Wylie on vocals. The result is an expansive and varied collection of songs.

There are a number of outstanding tracks on this album, but some standouts include the rolling waltz time “The Bells Of The Church”, and the upbeat Celtic pop tune, “Faeries and Nymphs”. Also memorable are the songs “Small Town”, a heartbreaking yet uplifting song about change, and “Glory Still”, which starts as a rollicking barn burner, but is also artistically and musically adventurous, with a hummable main theme and a bridge that takes an interesting turn.

Simple Little Boat is an excellent album that stacks up well against works by other bands in this genre. One may argue that the instrumentation and themes are commonplace, but those elements are executed so well here. There is an honesty and earnestness in the songs and how they are presented, and with that earnestness comes credibility. Kudos to Old Man Flanagan’s Ghost. Together with their producer, they have created a fine addition to the new generation of Celtic music.

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