Album Review: Finnegan’s Hell – Work Is The Curse Of The Drinking Class

There are no prizes for guessing what Finnegan’s Hell sound like, their chosen moniker probably tells you everything you need to know, and should give you an idea as to whether this is an album that will nestle into your collection before you’ve heard a note, or I’ve finishing tapping out the first paragraph. The Celtic punk scene is one that has spread far beyond it’s home shores, and it’s adopted second home of Boston, MA, and “Work Is The Curse Of The Drinking Class” is further proof of this, as this is an album that has somewhat unexpectedly emerged from Scandinavia. 

Whilst there might be few surprises on “Work Is The Curse Of The Drinking Class” this is an album that delivers on all the fronts you’d expect, the album’s title track kicks things off in fine alcohol fuelled style and it doesn’t let up, from The Pogues on speed blasts of ‘Six Feet Under‘ and “King Of The Bar” through to the frantic jig of “The Promised Land“, that should see utter chaos at their live shows, Finnegan’s Hell tick all the boxes. However, it’s the less predictable offerings, that bring an almost Celtic metal approach into the mix, that separate Finnegan’s Hell from the herd, although the subject matter continues to run along the expected booze soaked lines. In particular the superb ‘Whiskey, Rum, Gin And Wine” stands out with an almost Slayeresque structure that is delivered in Celtic style, something that makes it a contender for the most unexpected crossover of the decade.

“Work Is The Curse Of The Drinking Class” follows on from their 2018 full length “Life And Death“, an album that saw Finnegan’s Hell establish themselves on their home turf and in mainland Europe, their latest full length should see raucous nights further afield. If you’re a fan of Celtic punk then this will be something to add to the soundtrack for your drinking sessions, whilst the majority of “Work Is The Curse Of The Drinking Class” offers up few surprises, although it must be said that the predictable elements are all delivered in fine style, it’s the moments when Finnegan’s Hell have stamped their own mark on this overpopulated genre that make this album stand out from the crowd.

“Work Is The Curse Of The Drinking Class” can be pre-ordered on CD and vinyl via Wild Kingdom Records here

The Finnegan’s Hell website can be found here