The Mahones

With the popularity of bands like Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly, Celtic-influenced punk rock seems to be gaining more ground every day. The influx of such bands can make it difficult to discern the good from the bad, the talented from the hacks. Fortunately, the Mahones are the former. Their brand of Pogues-influenced Irish punk works well and is the perfect soundtrack for a night of boozing with the boys. "Drunken Lazy Bastard” is a perfect sing-along drinking song; play it for your borderline alcoholic friend and see if it strikes a chord. The Mahones use all the instruments at their disposal (mandolins, penny whistles, along with the traditional rock band fare) to create some catchy songs ranging from the rocking, sing-along sound of "Queen and Tequila” to the more introspective "Streets of New York.”