JOLLYROGER – EP REVIEW


JollyRoger – Everyday Pirate EP 
JollyRoger - Everyday Pirate EP

Release Date: Out Now

I fell out with a piratically themed band once, largely because I described them as piratically themed to which they took offence to despite having the word ‘Pirate’ in their name and dressing up as pirates. So, it is with some trepidation that I approach this EP release from Plymouth trio JollyRoger who are undeniably and unashamedly, well, piratical. The ‘Everyday Pirate’ EP kicks off with ‘Intro 2’ which is a swirl of accordion and seagulls that opens in to a whistle wetting romp full of three part harmonies and a self-knowing nod. ‘Ended Up!” follows with a striding acoustic strum, hand claps and plenty of shouting which you know would go down a storm in a crowded Westcountry pub on a stormy Friday night with ale, sweat and cider dripping from the ceiling.

On ‘Aboard!!’ we not only find the band doubling up on their exclamation mark fetish but also settling in to sea shanty of epic proportions which really paints a picture with the vocal harmonies and bass drone. ‘Lady of the Sea’ has a more upbeat vibe but still a distinctly nautical theme as the trio regularly sing “Yo Ho Ho, 1 2 3, Jolly Roger life for me” in a way that will demand, nay, expect audience participation in the aforementioned crowded pub. Closing up on ‘2 to the Blue’, the trio really go for it with furious guitar work and some blue language sealing their reputation as rabbling rousing funsters with a gnarled and twisted outlook on the world.  If you don’t like sea shanties, songs about drinking rum and shouting used as backing vocals then this probably isn’t for you but if you do have a sense of fun then jump on in, the water’s lovely.

Live Dates:
18th October – The Green Dragon, Northlew
19th October – Mevagissey Sea Shanty Festival, Mevagissey
19th October – The Yacht Inn, Penzance
1st November – The Copperhouse, Hayle
17th November – Pollurian Hotel, Lizard
23rd November – The Hobbit Pub, Southampton
29th November – Old Ale House, Truro
30th November – Penzance Christmas Lights Switch On
7th December – Pre-lights switch at the Ship Inn, Mousehole
14th December – Penzance Christmas Lights, Parade
20th December – Eye Patch Friday, Maritime Inn
21st December – Sloop Inn, St Ives
24th December – Pirate Christmas @ the White Hart, Gunnislake