Flogging Molly, Social Distortion

Flogging Molly has been of the forefront of Celtic punk scene for twenty years, often leaning heavier towards Irish folk traditions than peers like Dropkick Murphys. The band’s latest LP—2017’s spirited, politically-charged Life Is Good—finds that trademark blend sprinkled with enough unexpected elements to keep things fresh: “Welcome to Adamstown” is spiked with ska rhythm and horns, while “Reptiles (We Woke Up)” features an anthemic, arena-ready chorus that matches its Mumford-esque banjo strums, and “The Days We’ve Yet to Meet” conjures an Eighties pop melody from violin and accordion. The pair of new songs that co-headliners Social Distortion have been previewing live (from the new album that’s been promised for more than half the decade) fit in seamlessly alongside Mike Ness’s catalog of fiery, hard-hitting punk tunes, which are charged with country, blues, and rockabilly. The Devil Makes Three and Le Butcherettes open. —Spencer Griffith