Fox n Firkin

On a cool and slightly drizzly Hobart spring evening as the days were beginning to draw out, The Blonde and I went to Irish Murphy's to see a favourite Celtic punk band, Fox 'n' Firkin.  I felt a certain charm in the air; or maybe it was the increasing pollen count.  With all the flower starting to bloom outside parliament house and the twilight stillness the night seemed magical.  What a great place to live where you can spend your leisure time on the lawns of the seat of government. I took a stroll once around the gardens thinking seditious thoughts just because I could.

Fox n Firkin comprises four lads out of Brisbane and they were in town for Hobofopo - Hobart Folk Punk Festival.  Yet another Hobart festival that caters to the quirky Tasmanian music fan.  Fun times for all.  In their first set they played mostly original songs which were great.  My particular favourite is from their No Vacancy album called 'Too Hip 4ZZZ'.

During the break the lovely Andrew (lead guitar) and the diminutive Robbie (drummer) came over to our table for a chat about life, light and global warming.  Not very punk band but extremely cool nevertheless.  I was struck once again by the generosity of spirit that seems to be inherent in most musicians.  I think it comes from sharing your ideas and creativity on stage in fairly tenuous and at times unaccommodating contexts.

The second set they played more covers The Cranberries "Zombie" which had great drumming, Dropkick Murphies, Waltzing Matilda and of my favourite Simon and Garfunkel.  I love the way this band makes me think differently about songs that I thought that I knew well and gives them a whole new lease on life - even if they are Queenslanders.