Tag Archives: Rum Rebellion

The Rag & Bonemen, The Wages Of Sin, Rum Rebellion – Portland, Or (May 18, 2007)

I did something I rarely do nowadays… I went out on a Friday night. You see, work wise, Fridays kicks my ass so bad, I usually go straight home like an old man, but not this time. There was no way I was going to miss this gig, so with that being said, on with the review… Considering the nautical element of the bands involved, the neighborhood for tonight’s gig was fitting. The Mt. Tabor Legacy, is located smack dab in the middle of Portland’s Bermuda triangle. (There’s so many bars in this area, the odds of ever leaving are not in your favor!) Rag & Bonemen start the show off with those haunted folk-punk tunes they do so well at. Rag & Bonemen played some new songs, and some classic ones from their recent EP. (BTW, When’s that full album due?) It’s a shame their set was so short, because I was just warming up, the damn house lights came on, which of course was followed by a mad dash to the bar, and next thing you know, The Wages Of Sin are setting up, and like Rag & Bonemen before them, I was seriously impressed. Their stage presence was full of energy, their delivery was amazing, and quite honestly, The Wages Of Sin flat out kick ass. I can’t wait for their new album. If you’re in the Pacific Northwest, try and catch them live. Up next, was Rum Rebellion, I think I have seen them over a dozen times, and I can honestly tell you, they keep getting better, and better! They already have a number of new songs, and are probably spending every waking moment writing new material. By the end of the night we were a drunken mess, and things got a wee bit hazy. I must admit, I feel quite lucky to be living in an area full of great folk punk bands.

This is a good thing to be surrounded by.

Review by Barnacle Brian

Rum Rebellion: Crusin For A Boozin

“Crusin For A Boozin” is the first full length album from Rum Rebellion, an “Oirish” band from Portland, Oregon. The first thing I’d like to point out are the amount of original songs on this album. Nine out of eleven! There’s obviously some talented songwriters in this gang of ruffians, no doubt. Then there’s the music… Damn! For only being together for roughly a year and a half, these guys must have some weird telepathic thing going on here…The tin whistle, guitar, fiddle, and bouzouki seem to flow together like a musical stream of whiskey, backed up with a solid set of drumbeats and bass lines. The vocals accompany the music perfectly, and sound as if Popeye was clutching an empty bottle of rum instead of a can of spinach! (Spinach is bad for you nowadays!) Another thing I’d like to mention are the amount of sea shanties! I think every track makes at least once reference to something nautical, so at least you know this reviewer is happy!

Speaking of Rum Rebellion, As you may or may not know, the band got the the name from the Rum Rebellion of 1808. It was the only successful (if only temporarily so) armed take over of government in Australia’s recorded history. The rebellion was precipitated by the Governor of New South Wales, William Bligh, who attempted to normalize trading conditions by prohibiting the use of spirits (Rum) as payment for commodities. Bligh was aiming to reduce the power of the rum merchants and the New South Wales Corps, which had a role in the trade. These groups resented his interference and the quarrel built to a military rebellion on January 26, 1808. The group of mutineers included John MacArthur as one of the leading personalities. Bligh was arrested by George Johnston of the New South Wales Corps, who took control of the colony. Bligh was held for over a year and when he agreed to leave for England, he immediately attempted to return. Stupid bastard.

Lucky for me, I have been able to witness this band start from scratch. I’ve been lucky enough to have seen them live a few times, (Some I can’t remember… like cough*opening for the Tossers*cough!) and they sound just as good live as they do on record. I’ve also heard them absolutely nail a version of “Dirty Old Town” on the radio. I’ve seen them on street corners busking away like madmen. So let me mention that I am seriously impressed with “Crusin For A Boozin”

100% Pirate approved!

Track listing:

1. Anchors Aweigh!
2. Raise Yer Glasses
3. Boots & Bottles
4. Beer Run
5. The Rusty Cannonball
6. Drifting Down The River
7. A-Rovin
8. Drink With The Devil
9. Ramblers Road
10. Drunken Sailor
11. Dragons Tooth Jig

Go get this album! By the way if you’re in the Pacific Northwest anytime soon, check them out live!
12/31/06 @ SE House Show
1/8/07 @ Tiny Tavern (EUGENE)
1/11/07 @ House Show
1/12/07 @ the Paragon
1/13/07 @ Comet Tavern (SEA)
1/27/07 @ Diablo’s (EUGENE)

2006

Review by: Barnacle Brian