Three years have gone by and The Moorings have finally released a studio album based on self-penned stuff. “Unbowed” follows the same path of The Moorings’ previous EP, as there are songs in French and songs in English.

I appreciate when a band includes some sets of tunes on their albums. And there is a set of tunes on “Unbowed”. Moreover, “The Dancy Cargo Hold’s Dance/Mermaid’s Jig” is not a traditional number: new fiddler Anne has written the first tune together with front man D.Phil Jelly, while the second tune was written by former fiddler Sophie-Anne. Hats-off!

Three songs in French have made the album. “Amsterdam” is a kick-ass rendition of the Jacques Brel’s classic song. “Les Bras Piqués” is another badass number featuring Luca Crespi (Uncle Bard and The Dirty Bastards) on tin whistle. Maybe the lyrics would be OK 15 years ago, but I feel that fortunately nowadays discrimination against tattooed people is very low. “Mutins” is an amazing pirate song featuring Sweeney Lauder on tin whistle.

“Brandy Belle” is a weird number, as it’s sung both in French and in English. Not my cup of tea.

As far as the songs in English are concerned, a couple of them were previously released on “La Cigale Unplugged”. “The Mariner I used to be” is based on the tin whistle (Sweeney Lauder again) and the banjo, and it’s probably the most pogues-ish number on “Unbowed”. “Posy of Lily” has also been re-arranged with an epic end.

Three tracks showcase The Moorings drinking side. Videos were shot for the anthems “Drink up Fast” and “Ice Cold Jar of Whiskey”. I hope that a video will be shot for the opening track “Another Drinking Wound” too. This fantastic song that reminds me of The Clash is my fave track on the album, btw.

Apart from those cuts, there are two songs that show a different side of the band: “Captain Watson’s Song” and “Invictus”. Former fiddler Anne-Sophie and D.Phil Jelly have put music to the poem by William Ernest Henley and Celkilt bagpiper Loïc MacWind guests on tin whistle .

“Unbowed” is housed in a 6 panel digipack that comes with an 8 page booklet. The album is also available on vinyl.