What a very interesting album. I'm not going to lie, when I first listened to it I was disappointed - I was half expecting the gut check provided by an album like Drunken Lullabies. However, it grows on you. In my view, this album is a progression of their style and taste...they're distancing themselves from the "punk" scene (not a bad thing, IMHO), this is a far more traditional Irish sound, and could've almost been put out by the Pogues (except the Pogues could never match Dave King's vocals). I think an electric lead guitar is used in only 2 songs, so don't expect any high-powered anthems ala "Screaming at the Wailing Wall" or "Drunken Lullabies". Tons and tons more mandolin, accordion, and fiddle than previous albums. A rather somber tone is prevalent throughout the whole album, culminating in the slow waltz final track "The Story So Far". Notable tracks include "Us of Lesser Gods" (my favorite), "Float", and "Man With No Country".
Definite Guinness or whiskey swigging fare for the despondent amongst us.