Check out the new concept album from Rusty Shipp!
Check out the new concept album from Rusty Shipp!

JFH Music Review




Flatfoot 56
Knuckles Up



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 13 tracks: 35 minutes, 26 seconds
Street Date: June 27, 2006


Sometimes something comes along that is so bizarre, it demands attention. Such is the case with Flatfoot 56, a self-proclaimed Celtic punk band. No, seriously. Bagpipes, punishing guitar riffs, mandolins, crowd chants, a vocalist with an Irish accent… these guys are the real deal. They've been gaining a following since they started in 2000 (That's right…that's right, you've missed out on six years of Celtic punk), and have now signed to Flicker Records. Instead of a new recording, we're treated to what will be new to most of us anyway, in the form of a re-release of their independent album Knuckles Up.

Anyone who remembers the old school, nineties, punk glory days of Tooth & Nail and other such indie records labels will appreciate this throwback to a time when the term "Christian rock" was more cool and novel, and less cliché. It's fast, fun, and insanely catchy (Try not to start chanting "Break, break, break, break, breakin' the law" on the ever so inspired "Breakin' the Law").

As is to be expected on an album of this caliber and velocity, the depth just isn't there from a lyrical standpoint. But what Flatfoot 56 lacks in depth, they make up for in passion. These songs are rally cries, "Raise up the flag. Let them see. Our creed is a symbol for those who are free. We fight against evil. We fight against sin. Our battle's not outward. Our battle's within." It's the kind of stuff that in any other setting would sound corny, but, as this is a Celtic punk band, it works.

There's a very select group that will find delight in this truly unique piece of work, but you owe it to yourself to give these guys a chance. And if you can, catch them live, if only to better understand fully what these guys bring to the table. I don't really know how these guys could mature and grow musically, but I'm definitely not saying it can't be done. Knuckles Up is just crazy enough to get a thumbs up.

- Review date: 7/18/06, written by Josh Taylor



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

 


. Record Label: Flicker Records
. Album length: 13 tracks: 35 minutes, 26 seconds
. Street Date: June 27, 2006
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. This Town
  2. Brotherhood
  3. Knuckles Up
  4. Hold Fast
  5. Breakin' The Law
  6. Blood And Sweat
  7. The Rotten Hand
  8. Battle Of The Bones
  9. Chi-Town Beat Down
  10. Fight To Live
  11. The Long Road
  12. Amazing Grace
  13. Arran Boat
spacer Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH



This Friday, June 27, 2025
ALBUMS
7eventh Time Down We Praise You [BEC]
The Browns 25th Anniversary: Better Days Ahead [StowTown]
Franni Cash Wild Child - EP [Capitol CMG]
Matt Crocker interlude [Anotherland]
Jimmy Fortune Songs of an American Dreamer [Gaither]
Roxanne Grace Road Trip - EP [DREAM]
JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise The Live Reunion: Washington, DC [James Town]
Kutless The Seventh Seal - EP [BEC]
Evvie McKinney It Ain't Over - EP (independent)
Rusty Shipp Capsized Empire (independent)
SEU Worship A Forgiving God [Provident]
The Shimmering Carnelians The Doorway (Version 2.0) (independent)
We Are Messengers A Thousand Times - EP [Curb]

SINGLES
Anchor & Braille Rattlesnake - Single [Equal Vision]
ANTHNY imposter syndrome - Single [Provident]
Blanca Right On Time - Single [Curb]
Landry Cantrell & Elenee sunshine & rainbows - Single [DREAM]
Eddie Clark Never Content - Single [Syntax]
Colony House Atomic - Single [Roon]
Megan Danielle Preachin' To The Choir - Single [Provident]
Drea LP & OnBeatMusic Don't Try Me (DTM) - Single [Syntax]
Joseph Habedank Running to Me - Single [Daywind]
Lonnie Hunter Flow (Like A River) - Single [Uncle G]
Kashh Kade HELP - Single [Syntax]
KB x KEANU Keanu's Song - Single [Provident]
Tasha Layton Singing In the Dark - Single [BEC]
Tasha Cobbs Leonard The Hand That Keeps Holding - Single [Motown Gospel]
Tim Lovelace Celebration of America Medley (feat. Charlie McCoy) - Single [StowTown]
Lecrae Tell No Lie (feat. Jackie Hill Perry) - Single [Reach]
LO Worship The Perfect Love of Jesus - Single [Integrity]
Patrick Mayberry Thank The Lord - Single [Provident]
Michael Monroe John The Baptist (feat. Chris Renzema) - Single [Provident]
Alexander Pappas A Great Awakening / Un Nuevo Despertar - Single [Integrity]
PEABOD Summer in Seattle - Single [RMG Amplify]
Rave Jesus Walk On The Water Remix (From The Chosen) - Single [Provident]
The Rocky Valentines Nat Song - Single [Velvet Blue]
Saints In Exile & Cutright My Dead End (ft. Jeannie Ortega, Luc DiMarzio, Jericko) - Single [Syntax]
Emilie Weiss Take Care (Studio Sessions) - Single [BEC]

DVD
Jimmy Fortune Songs Of An American Dreamer DVD [Gaither]

Next Friday, July 4, 2025
ALBUMS
Chad Cory America [DREAM]
Tenielle Neda The Way Of Love [Wings]

SINGLES
Christian Back Now - Single [DREAM]



For all release dates, click here!
 

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images