Press release –
Legendary Minneapolis Celtic punk (folk, world) band Boiled in Lead announced that they will be releasing their 12th album, King of the Dogwoods, on March 20 viaOmnium Records on Compact Disc, Colored Vinyl and digital format.
The first single, “Je T’Aime Helena” is out now via all DSP’s.
Boiled in Lead’s musical recipe features guitar, bass, violin & drums that play country music from many countries with power and emotion. They are the longest-running Celtic punk band in America, and an important part of the foundation of what became Minnesota punk rock; their star is still on the wall at legendary nightclub First Avenue, dating back to their first 7th Street Entry show in 1983. Having played alongside bands like Hüsker Dü, Richard Thompson and Camper Van Beethoven, Boiled in Lead are celebrating more than 40 years on stage and in the studio combining eclectic sounds featuring world music tunes from Irish, Serbian, Bulgarian, Klezmer, and roots American traditions.
“The remarkable thing about Boiled in Lead is that they can come out so full of energy and desire after more than 40 years together,” said Chris Nickson, author and music journalist. “Whether it’s on original or traditional material like that featured on King Of The Dogwoods, that punk edge cuts through to add a sharpness to everything. A real force to be reckoned with, showing everyone how it should be done.”
While Boiled in Lead is known for their Celtic roots, King Of The Dogwoods is much more than that. In fact, it will take more than one listen to take in all that is going on on this record. In a world that is ruled by checking genre boxes, Boiled in Lead is radically eclectic: the Serbian folk song “Adje Jano” sits comfortably alongside strong originals like the title track, and multiple instrumentals from the delicate “Keshenever Bulgar” to the brutal “Fast Reels.” It rewards the listener after one listen, yet has uncommon depth on repeat listenings. Sure there are through lines from the bands career; taking traditional material that excites them (“Bold Lovell”), and finding powerful ways to play it as a rock band. With the strongest four-part harmonies that they have ever had, it’s less wild jam improv but more studied although they always value the element of surprise. Celtic, Americana, World, Cajun can all be found on King of the Dogwoods.
Enthusiastic, powerful, technically brilliant, playing a wealth of instruments with extreme dynamics, Boiled In Lead routinely demolishes genres with its highly-identifiable sound. An Onion A&E quote describes the band’s approach well: “…the prime purveyor of a style of Celtic music infused with punk-rock attitude, developing over the years with a hard-driving swirl that combined Irish folk with heavy rock and elements of styles from all over the world. …one of the best bands Minnesota’s ever produced. …even without amplification, Boiled In Lead can summon up furious punk-folk energy.”
While in high school, bass player and founder Drew Miller became obsessed with traditional folk. He started the band to turn the volume up and bring those tunes and songs to new audiences. Following their first LP, he met guitarist / vocalist Todd Menton at an Irish session. With distribution from Twin\Tone, the band was soon playing the First Avenue Mainroom, the Winnipeg Folk Festival; that led to a UK record deal and tours in Europe and around the country. The group and the individual musicians have won many Minnesota Music Awards, and toured throughout the US and in Europe.
Boiled in Lead is Todd Menton (vocals, guitar, mandolin, bodhrán, whistle), Drew Miller(bass guitar, dulcimer), Morris Engel (drum kit) and Haley Olson (violin, vocals).
Track Listing as follows:
