Released by: Napalm Records
Release Date: April 11th, 2025
Genre: Folk Punk Pirates
Links: https://www.yebanishedprivateers.com/
Line Up:
Anders “Nobility” Nyberg – cembalo, miniature piano, lead vocals
Anton “Quinton Taljenblock” Teljebäck – viola pomposa, fiddle, cello, kalimba, mandolin, pump organ, death whistle
Björn “Bellows” Malmros – squeezebox, hurdy-gurdy, harmonica, lead vocals
Eva “The Navigator” Maaherra Lövheim – violin and vocals
Evelina “Harpy” Rolon – harp, vocals
Frida “Freebird af Wærmaland” Granström – violin, viola, vocals
Hampus “Monkey Boy” Holm – flipped bass drum, percussion, vocals
Ina “Battery” Molin – cajon, marimba, timpani, tubular bells, vocals
Jens “Shanghai” Tzan Choong – 5-string banjo, sitar, guitar, vocals
Jim “Silent Jim” Sundström – mandolino, mandola, lead vocals
Jonas “Hogeye McGinn” Nilsson – 5-string banjo, guitar, vocals
Lovisa “Quick Fhinn” Fhinn – cajon, bodhrán, marching drum, timpani, spoons, jaw harp, lead vocals
Magda “Magda Malvina Märlprim, also Magpie by repute” Andersson – lute guitar, lead vocals
Martin “Scurvy Ben” Gavelin – cajon, darbuka, percussion, vocals
Peter “Quartermaster Blackpowder Pete” Mollwing – lead vocals
Richard “Old Red” Larsson – ukulele bass, guitar, vocals
Stina “Filthylocks” Hake – whistles, lead vocals
William “Shameless Will” Hallin – vocals
Tracklist:
1. The Cranker
2. Waves Away
3. A Final Toast for Oliver Cromwell
4. Raise Your Glass
5. A Hardworking Crew
6. As the Tree Falls
7. Whydah Galley
8. Chained Below
9. Ships Lost at Sea
10. Here’s to the Royal Navy
11. Mates Together
12. Sailmaker’s Song
Hundreds of em there are, my god…. The number is closer to 20 to be fair, but you’d still struggle to fit them on the stage at the Black Heart in Camden. Even the Underworld would be bursting at its seams if Ye Banished Privateers arrived for a night of shanties and grog. Whilst they may number 20 thankfully, around 12 privateers make up the average set, with the remaining 8 probably caring not about performing as they’re too wasted on rum. I’d be very disappointed if that’s not the case.
This is for you if, like me, you like your pirates “rummy,” your folk “folky,” and your music straight out of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean‘. Equal measure of cheers and inspiration is what these 51 minutes of music brings, depending of course on how much grog during the listening session has been consumed.
Continuously the styles of music shift, and whilst it’s undeniably a pirate themed album, it’s a folk effort that’s beautiful in its own right. As comfortably would it sit on the bill of a gig with Alestorm, Rum Ahoy and more as it would in a classic folk music festival.
Traditional Irish and Scandinavian folk music inspire the songs. Stories about the rough sailor’s life, those who lived on the law’s other side, and the fight against nationalism and oppression – age old – are presented through the band’s approach, performance and outfits. Amazing it is to think that events from 300 years ago inspire the songs yet somehow seem relevant today. A sobering moment for sure, but another glug of the good stuff and we’re bouncing around the room again.
Easier maybe it is to go through life a bit inebriated. Today I might start and report back when I review the band’s next album. Research we’ll call it!
Score 8/10
Reviewed by Adrian Hextall
About Author
