The Young Dubliners - Nine (2014)

If you're a Celtic rock band there is no better time of year to release a new album than just before St. Patrick's Day. LA's The Young Dubliners hope to capitalize on that magical day as the release their ninth studio album, thoughtfully titled Nine (out March 4th).

Those hoping that Nine would provide a fresh batch of songs with which to celebrate the day will be a bit disappointed. These songs are far more along the pop rock lines than they are raucous Dropkick Murphys or Pogues-style party/drinking tunes.


The mid-tempo ditties "We the Mighty" and "Say Anything" are pleasant, catchy pop numbers, but they bear only the most vague tinge of Celtic influence. "The Deep" has a bit of twang, but ultimately is closer to a country rock song than a Celtic one.

When the tempo slows, the tunes get hard to listen to. "Rain" is akin to some of Great Big Sea's most earnest and banal ballad offerings. "One Touch" has all of the edge of a '90s television sitcom theme song. The closer "Only You & Me" is easily forgettable.

We do get a short string of danceable cuts that would require a bit of a fleet foot. "Seeds of Sorrow" is a solid jig, and the traditional instrumental "Abhainn Mor" is not far behind. The manic banjo-plucker "Fall" rounds out the trio.

Nine turns out to be an inoffensive Adult pop rock record, but it certainly won't yield any leprechaun ear gold for the green beer swilling crowd.