Story Of The Year, Flogging Molly, Emery
Thebarton Theatre
Fri 12 May

Never, ever in a million years did I imagine I'd find myself enjoying a good old-fashioned, country-style ho-down - fiddles, accordions, mandolins and all. But that's exactly what happened this evening when the Irish 'celtic punk rockers' Flogging Molly came out swinging in full force. Despite their inspirational tales of boozy nights, desperation and general mischief, Flogging Molly are truly a 'celebration of life,' as they like to call themselves - and celebrate they certainly did tonight. So much so that you could have been forgiven for thinking it was St. Patrick's Day all over again once the kids in the crowd starting jigging. Next time Flogging Molly come around, break out the Guiness and start Riverdancing people: this band gives real meaning to the word jolly.

Story Of The Year also managed to pull off one of the shows of the year, which certainly makes these five Missouri lads something special, considering they've only been around for four years. Word among the screamo kids is that this band once belted out 517 gigs in 540 days, which, if confirmed, wouldn't come as a shock anyway because the way Story of the Year play and sound on stage is tighter than a nun's nasty. And it doesn't take long before it hits you - this is one band that really has matured, leaving the days of Page Avenue long, long behind them and welcoming the darker, grindier side of things. A case in point being vocalist extraordinaire Dan Marsala's tortured screams which have never sounded angrier than tonight - the man could level a building with that growl and quite possibly make you poo your pants at the same time.

While the show is overall quite genuine, the only concern here is that perhaps Story Of The Year are beginning to fly their Pantera flag in the face of punters a little too much, which is probably mostly thanks to bassist Adam Russell who's known for his heavy metal leanings. Though fear not - it's highly unlikely this band will start preaching questionable politics and buying strip bars anytime soon, if ever. It would also be worth mentioning to Story of the Year to ease up on the Twisted Sister and Guns'n'Roses covers, unless the plan is to incorporate a comedy act alongside some damn impressive original tunes.

Nina Bertok

PHOTO: Rodney Magazinovic