CONCERT REVIEW: Flogging Molly’s SOLD OUT Show at Ace of Spades in Sacramento

An Irish vocalist, primary writer and lyricist Dave King at Ace of Spades in Sacramento. Photo by Kris Comer

March 21, 2018 – Sacramento, California

Scott Biram sounded like a cross between a country and rock and roll. I would love to listen to a longer set. He was a great opener and made me feel nostalgic for my upbringing in Idaho. He reminded me of the cowboy poets I grew up listening to but the difference is the incredible speed at which he plays. His music is clear and has a smooth sound that makes me want a nice sipping whiskey. He is someone to watch in the coming years.

Jon Snodgrass has a crisp sound that feels very classically like modern rock. He is a story teller through and through who feels the music passionately and that shines through in his performance. His voice is unique and has an interesting timber to it. His sound is something that seems so familiar to me while still retaining a sort of mystery.

Flogging Molly is a band that seems timeless. Their songs are fresh, fast, and undeniably fun. Old songs, new songs it didn’t matter; each cord, melody, or rift still felt like the first time hearing them over 15 years ago. The legion of fans that love and support them are almost cult-like in their following and that’s not a bad thing. It makes the show seem like you are watching the show with family. The love and admiration for this band was apparent from the moment we walked into Ace of Spades in Sacramento. Kilts and a sea of green adorned the crowd waiting for the magic of Flogging Molly to shine through on stage. From the second they stepped on stage the crowd ebbed and flowed right along with them.

All the classic drinking songs were played with love and pride. “Drunken Lullabies” (a personal favorite) and “Devil’s Dance Flour” were both chanted from the crowd. Songs from their newest album Life is Good which dropped in 2017 was interspersed throughout the set. These news songs are still undeniably Flogging Molly, smart lyrics, fast beats and they take you on a musical journey. It’s fun to keep hearing new work from them and thinking “Wow this band is so impressive!” even though I’ve listened to them thousands of times. They play with energy and an undying love of their music. They are a band that shows years of practice and refinement within their music. Flogging Molly is a band you must see over and over again. I’m so glad I was able to see them in an intimate space surrounded by my fellow Flogging Molly admirers.

– Shauna Sullivan, contributing review
– Kris Comer, contributing photographer

Flogging Molly
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Jon Snodgrass
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Scott Biram
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