Nowadays almost every Celtic punk band wears kilts. But, how many bands talk about Scottish things apart from The Real McKenzies and Black Tartan Clan? Fortunately a new band from Charlotte, North Carolina, have come to join their ranks: Ghosts of Bannockburn. They are Simon (acoustic guitar, vocals), Gen (drums, vocals), Bryan aka “Night Train” (bass, vocals), Chris “PK” (fiddle, acoustic guitar, vocals) and Will (electric guitar, lead vocals).

Ghosts of Bannockburn’s debut album is the perfect blend of Scottish Jacobite songs and Irish Rebel songs. Although “Songs of the Warrior Poet” consists mainly of covers, the lads have chosen a different bunch of songs. In other words, this is not the usual “St.Patrick’s Day” CD.

As far as the Irish rebel and Irish themed songs are concerned only 3 out of 10 songs are Irish standards. “Boys of the Old Brigade” gets a brand new treatment and it’s one of my fave songs on the album. “Come Out and Fight”, that is, “Come Out Ye Black and Tans”, is played with gusto and features mandolin. Finally “Leaving of Liverpool” is given a twist that reminds me of The Dolomites rendition.

But the real highlights on the album are the Scottish songs. “Will Ye Nae Come Back Again” is not a copy of The Real McKenzies‘ version, and it’s brilliant; ”Wha’ll Be King But Charlie” and “The Wallace” showcase kick-ass fiddle and electric guitar; “Ne’er Be Peace ‘til Jamie Comes Home” has a Steeleye Span feel. And “Scottish Soldier” is an enjoyable fast-paced Celtic punk number.

There are two songs that are not traditional. “Battle of Bannockburn” is a cover of “The Battle of New Orleans” based on The Corries’ rendition: Scottish cow punk at its best. The other non-traditional number is a fantastic cover of Alestorm’s “Keelhauled”.

Ye Celtic punks by name lend an ear, lend an ear … grab a copy of this top-notch debut album by Ghosts of Bannockburn. You won’t regret it!!!

Tracklist:

01. Will Ye Nae Come Back Again 3:55
02. Wha’ll Be King but Charlie 3:44
03. The Wallace 4:00
04. Boys of the Old Brigade 2:24
05. Ne’er Be Peace ’til Jamie Comes Home 3:44
06. Scottish Soldier 2:40
07. Come out and Fight 2:46
08. Battle of Bannockburn 2:05
09. Keelhauled 3:23
10. Leaving of Liverpool 3:58

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Review by Kinksmarkham