The Muckers are an Atlanta-based Celtic band with a punk flair. I asked them to record on my next CD, Selcouth. The album comes out on February 14.
I thought The Muckers would make a great start to a new blog series where I highlight Celtic music groups from my new home, Atlanta, Georgia.
The Atlanta area has quite the variety of Celtic music, and The Muckers are a fine example of the breadth of this particular scene. This five-piece band delivers energetic music true to the style of punk—but with some Celtic instrumentation and subject matter along for the ride! Although some may think at first that punk and Celtic are an odd mix, they actually fit quite well together; especially when done by musicians that know how to play and perform.
Listening to songs like “Irish Girls” and “Day Drinking” it’s easy to see why this particular band has developed a following in the Celtic music scene. Each band member contributes their energy and skill to the mix, and the result is tunes that pull you in with enough verve to keep your attention and make you want to hear more. When you check out their performance schedule in the Atlanta area (and beyond) it’s easy to see they get plenty of practice doing in-person shows, where undoubtedly they are at their best in front of a live audience. That kind of energy feeds on itself—with this style of music in particular.
Raucous play that is defiant without being obnoxious has the Muckers straddling the absolute perfect line when it comes to Celtic punk. The combination of defiant punk sound with its fast-paced play, along with the raw vocals that punctuate everything just works so well for these guys—but they aren’t so harsh as to be blatantly offensive, or too “in your face”. You’ll listen to this band with a smile on your face and a tap in your toes, and I’m guessing the crowd they draw is ready and waiting for the specific style of entertainment this band brings.
All in all, this is really the type of music that fits seamlessly at a bar or entertainment venue, and these guys aren’t just getting started—they’ve been around a while. Pulsing with energy and enjoyment, The Muckers are an Atlanta-area Celtic band that is definitely worth checking out!
Find more about Atlanta Celtic Music and Musicians.
Catherine L. Tully is a freelance writer and photographer who specializes in the arts. She has written for American Style and Classical Singer, among other magazines, and for the Celtic Music Magazine for nearly 15 years. You can reach her through her website at CatherineLTully.com.
