Shortly after, FLATFOOT 56, would debut their video for the single, “Courage,” to critical acclaim. Helmed by director Kendal Miller and shot on location in both Chicago, IL. and Gary, IN., the video remains an unwavering homage to the nameless faces of blue-collar America during the Industrial boom of the World War II era.

True to the band’s hard-earned reputation of remaining devoted to the road, FLATFOOT 56 has spent the better part of 2010 on the tour in support of BLACK THORN. Mainstage appearances at festivals both home and abroad, a successful run on the 2010 Vans Warped Tour, and now a confirmed fall tour throughout the remainder of 2010, will see FLATFOOT 56 along STREET DOGS and Matt Freeman of Rancid’s latest project, Devil’s Brigade, trek across the United States.

While the band continues to cement its place within the hierarchy of the genre, FLATFOOT 56’s broad appeal and universally inspiring themes have managed to resonate with people outside of the punk rock scope just the same. Producers of the FX Network hit Sons of Anarchy recently connected with FLATFOOT 56 to use not one, but two tracks from BLACK THORN. “Shiny Eyes” and “Son of Shame” will both be used in episodes of the upcoming new season of the series. The band has also been tapped to record an all new entrance theme for the WWE’s (Word Wrestling Entertainment) Raw Champion, Sheamus. Recorded in Nashville, TN between stops along the Vans Warped Tour, the new theme song is just one example of FLATFOOT 56’s crossover ability. Never having to compromise their artist integrity, FLATFOOT 56 manages to appeal to more than just the punks.

As 2010 marks the 10-year anniversary for FLATFOOT 56, the new album compacts the band’s celebrated history of eclectic and driving musical charge into thirteen tracks that highlight the pride of the working class and their Chicago roots. The release of BLACK THORN has sent a tidal wave of energy from FLATFOOT 56’s international mob following while being matched with critical praise:

ALTERNATIVE PRESS: “There are bagpipes and mandolin gilded to the hard-charging chassis, but these 10-year Chicago scene vets know how to play, and even better, pen suitably triumphant songs awash in resilient spirit.” (April 2010)

HM MAGAZINE: “Black Thorn jigs, pulses, sways, mesmerizes and kicks up the heels – sometimes all within the same song structure.” (March/April 2010)

PUNK ROCK REVIEW: “Black Thorn is filled to the rim with Celtic-influenced, high intensity gang vocal laden, heavy hitting song after song…Each intricate musical piece of this band is perfectly combined.” (March 2010)

DYING SCENE: “It is no wonder that FLATFOOT 56 has risen above the rest and gained the notoriety they so rightfully deserve.” 5 out of 5 stars! (April 2010)

ABSOLUTE PUNK.NET: “The Celtic punk rockers from Chicago are back, and while the recorded disc cannot possibly capture the euphoric atmosphere of a Flatfoot 56 live show, they're getting closer than ever.” (April 2010)

Black Thorn is available in stores and online now from Old Shoe Records in the US, Stomp Records in Canada, and distributed by Big Mouth Japan in Japan.

For more info on Flatfoot 56, visit the JFH Artists Database.