Black Friars Social Club
Underwear Factory Toy, 2020
8/10
Listen to Black Friars Social Club
A Chicago outfit spearheaded by veteran musician Mark Panick, Black Friars Social Club got their start playing Irish pubs, as Panick recruited an all star cast of 8 musicians, the Friars, to help flesh out his real life stories for this debut album that’s a very eclectic version of alt-folk.
“Ballad Of A Jr Hitman” starts the listen strong with soothing accordion as soft group vocals enter the very thoughtful climate, and “Great Emancipation” follows with a grittier approach where there’s still plenty of melody as spirited guitar highlights the setting.
Halfway through, “Drunk Love Letter” offers a very unique brand of Americana that almost sounds Celtic as Jackie Rae Daniels impresses with exceptional fiddle, while “Sacramental” moves with playful percussion where pop ideas enter the dreaminess. “Sons Of Dunning”, the album highlight, then finds a darker place to reside, with vivid storytelling that aligns with restrained yet dynamic interplay between the many members.
The final 2 tracks are equally interesting, and include the horn friendly and welcomed Mariachi nods of “The Bad In Me” and the morbidly titled “Dead Girl Waltz”, where Panick’s punk roots are evident on the swampy, percussively adventurous exit
Panick has been through much tragedy with the recent passing of two siblings, and like any good artist he’s turned that into exceptional song craft on this unique first record that puts an atypical spin on Americana with much creativity and intimacy.
Travels well with: Mekons- Deserted; Dexys- One Day I’m Going To Soar