Album Review: The Filthy Spectacula – Vagabonds, Thieves, Lovers And Liars

It seems to be the season of the anthology as this is the second review on the bounce that is essentially a ‘best of’, London’s The Filthy Spectacula are now in the seventh year, they have previously released two full lengths, 2016’s “Thrupn’y Upright” and 2019’s “The Howl Of The Underclasses” so the the idea of a ‘greatest hits’ at this stage in their existence might seem to be somewhat premature. Having said that, there will be those that are unaware of their charms and I’ll admit that The Filthy Spectacula are a band that has somehow bypassed me until now, so maybe the notion of a recap on their output to date isn’t as unnecessary as it may appear at first glance.

The themes on “Vagabonds, Thieves, Lovers And Liars” are universal for this kind of booze soaked folk punk, alcohol, pirates, madness, twisted religion, murder, debauchery and romance, and the pleasures of the flesh that inevitably follow, are all present and correct. The Filthy Spectacula‘s own brand of snakeoil is all wrapped in a manic romany punk soundtrack that ebbs and flows in tempo, something that will inevitably fuel a manic crowd as it possesses the kind of joyous theatrical feel that makes you want to experience them live, preferably whilst clutching, and possibly spilling, a drink as the dance goes on around you. “Vagabonds, Thieves, Lovers And Liars” is a fine introduction to The Filthy Spectacula, but if you are drawn to this kinda of manic theatrical folk punk then I’d suggest getting both of their albums in the entirety as this sampler of their wayward delights will only leave you wanting more. 

The Filthy Spectacula is a band that is guaranteed to appeal to fans of  everyone from Gogol Bordello and The Urban Voodoo Machine through to The Dreadnoughts and The World/Inferno Friendship Society as well as the more straight up Celtic punk names such as Roughneck Riot and Dropkick Murphys. There is certainly something about The Filthy Spectacula that draws you in and warms you to them as you slip deeper into their embrace and fall under their spell, their appeal is perfectly summed up by my favourite moment on this collection, ‘Casanova With A Social Disease‘.

The Filthy Spectacula‘s website can be found here and Flicknife Records can be found here