The Rapparees
Highwaymen and outlaws are called rapparees in Ireland. The term certainly has a positive connotation, as it refers to Robin Hood-style fellows who take from the rich and give to the poor. But only after they have gambled away and drunk a considerable part of the loot. In keeping with their band name, the five young Irishmen act as musical buccaneers, plundering several styles and generously presenting this mixture to their fans. Irish tradition, for example, is interspersed with rocky punk elements and a portion of their own singer/songwriting is also included. The Rapparees play with incredible energy, freshness and enthusiasm, without losing elegance and lightness. If any band has what it takes to become a kind of unplugged successor to the infamous Pogues or Toss the Feathers, then it's the Rapparees.
At least that's the opinion of the Irish media, who are predicting a great future for the band. The fact that the Rapparees create a credible fusion of old and new can be seen from the fact that both mainstream and folk magazines are equally full of praise. Their style of playing is often described as "rough and ready". That simply speaks for itself and needs no further translation.
The Rapparees are made up of: Conor McCaffrey (Banjo, Guitar), Gerard McNeill (Guitar, Banjo, Vocals), Kevin Mawdsley (Fiddle, Whistles, Anarchy) and Joe McKeague (Guitar, Fiddle, Vocals).
"One of the most exciting and engaging bands to burst onto the Irish music scene in recent years"