THE MARY WALLOPERS

Irish Rock N Roll (BC)

Being new to the Mary Wallopers – a youthful troupe from Dundalk, County Louth rekindling the folk tradition of their home nation – I wasn’t expecting a riot but the trio are a powerhouse of energy. Second album Irish Rock N Roll races out of the blocks, all proudly-accented vocals and culturally arch lyrics, but once I’d recovered from the onslaught of the opening number – a version of the traditional children’s song Bould O’Donoghue – I settled into their groove.

Songs are relatively short, mixing up originals and trad Irish folk favourites, and with a lot crammed into these ditties don’t expect to grasp every nuance in your first spin. There is much whiskey drinking and maid chasing, lyrically speaking, but there are also songs about bugs, septic tanks and the queen of England. This is a party on record: the Mary Wallopers are clearly enjoying themselves and their humour is infectious.

words LYNDA NASH