 
The Tossers are another great band in my beloved genre of drunk Irish punk, but with a creativity that many of the others are sadly lacking. They don't just lay down traditional Irish folk songs (that make much more sense after a few pints), add a savage bass line and drive up the rage to a more punk pace; The Tossers write their own lyrics, too. Included among The Tossers' influences are The Chieftains, The Skels (who, by the way, are having their first West Coast show at Studio Z on November 12), and The Pogues - other great and glorious Irish punk bands. Their lead singer, T. Duggin, is also their mandolin player and he, with Becca's amazing violin, makes The Tossers a band you can't miss. If they put a little more effort toward advertising instead of making fan-fucking-tastic music, they could have the fan base that Flogging Molly and Dropkick Murphys enjoy. But they'd rather rock the fuck out. And not for nothing, but it's about time they came out with something new. It's been two years since Purgatory, their last record, but The Valley of the Shadow of Death was worth the wait. No doubt - Purgatory and Long Dim Road were strong records and the mandolin on Communication and Conviction and The Last Seven Years make them well worth owning. But The Valley of the Shadow of Death is the best one yet. Which is as it should be. It's nice to see a punk band who aspires for greater musical heights. - Valeria Vegas |
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