Imagine if you will a Venn diagram, three circles, one is for Punk and contains band names such as the Sex Pistols, another circle is for Folk and contains band names such as The Dubliners, whilst the final circle is for Sea Shanties and contains the names such as the Port Isaac’s Fisherman’s Friends – where all three circles meet the name of Smokey Bastard is written. This isn’t some comment on a particularly difficult Scottish Puffer boat, but the name of what is best classed as a Reading based seven piece folk-punk band.

31 October sees the release of Smokey Bastard’s second album entitled Tales From the Wasteland and for a band who list members as Macca (Vocals, Guitars, Mandolin), Mike Wood (Vocals, Bass), Matt (Guitars, Banjo), Nick (Accordian, Mandolin), Andy (Tin Whistle, Guitars, Banjo), Aled (Banjo, Mandolin) and Buttons (Drums); there are certainly more banjo and mandolin players than you would expect from your average punk band, but there is nothing average about Smokey Bastard.

Opening track Wasteland begins all folky with the mandolin, banjo et al in place, but the chord burn of guitar are then accompanied by Macca’s gruff vocal style and in less than a minute Macca retorts “sweet fucking home” and the whole pace disappears off. Vocals and musical accompaniment are extreme high octane that no doubt metamorphoses into a mental mosh pit of frenzied activity in a live setting. There is nothing subtle here and Wasteland is a glorious introduction to what Smokey Bastard have to offer.

If you thought the whole album was going to be aggressively launched folk-punk then Token Folkin’ lives up to its name of being a token folk track by throwing in a short instrumental, before Eden Holme looms into view, with Macca and Mike sounding particularly aggressive before the choral chant of “woah we’re heading home” hammers into view, it is perfect song to be crying out when imbibed with plenty of the ‘black stuff’. With the banjo also backed with simple kick-drum being perfect for interlinked arm dancing – so make sure you have plenty of space when listening to Eden Holme.

If you feel slightly worn by the time Mongrel leaps into view, that’s fine as Smokey Bastard throw in a mellow mid point and guitar riff before returning to the original theme. Ok, you’re ready for a rest and My Son John provides that relief. Based on a traditional sea shanty, Smokey Bastard quite simply use the traditional vocal call and response style and it works incredibly effectively – possibly as the subject matter is in keeping with the punk vibe of a sailor having no legs as a result of a cannonball.

Mong Some Hoof is almost entirely instrumental in nature and puts in mind the equally excellent Wildcats of Kilkenny. Yuppie Dracula is the first single release from Tales From the Wasteland and effectively showcases that folk-punk juxtaposition, with even the opportunity for a moment that feels suspiciously Greek in nature starting up slow and epically running away by its conclusion.

For those thinking Smokey Bastard are taking this all seriously, take one listen to Aspirations, I Have Some. At first there is a realisation that all folk has been ditched for the punk orientated elements of Smokey Bastard, but there is so much fun to have in these lyrics. With dreams of wearing vest top and shooting out of spinning cars, a la Bruce Willis, a presumably The Wire’s McNulty reference, Jesse Custer and a recommendation of the music by The Gaslight Anthem, before segueing into not only the lyrics “I wish that when I sang, it sounded like Springsteen”, but musically something that could have been the E Street Band.

Without wishing to make too many comparisons Dear Mol is the Smokey Bastard’s Fairytale of New York with the girl and boy retorts, although Mol’s use of the word “wanker” would certainly give Radio 1 a problem. If there is one fly in the ointment then it is Mamma Mia – no your eyes aren’t deceiving you Smokey Bastards have decided to cover ABBA’s Mamma Mia, it really doesn’t work, but they no doubt don’t care!

Tales From the Wasteland is an album worth shaking those cobwebs off for, yes there are elements of the Dropkick Murphys in the music offered up by Smokey Bastard, as well as nods towards the more recognisable Pogues at their most riotous, however, it is fair to say that for anyone who wants some aggressively, lively folk-punk to pick you up as you enter the darkening autumn months, then Tales From the Wasteland comes highly recommended, just tread cautiously if you are moving on from the Dubliners as it might come as a shock to the system!!

Reviewed by Jimbo Walsh.

Smokey Bastard's Tales From The Wasteland is out on 31 October 2011, with a rather impressive 6 panel digipack with a poster insert, very limited edition A3 poster for the mini-movie Yuppie Dracula and a free High Definition download of the mini-movie and the single Yuppie Dracula all from Bomber Music.