Traditional Irish folk music and strong drink shines strongly in this miniature Christmas album of 6 seasonal classics. An ironically drum less rendition of "Little Drummer Boy" starts off the album, and the vocals pack more power and punch than any ten year-old poor boy can lace into a single snare. Ryan McKenna belts out the classic with a voice that escalates and climaxes with a booming finish.
While "I'll be Home for Christmas" remains quite traditional and what acoustic band that calls themselves Irish could release a Christmas album without "Christmas in Killarney"? A fine version of a personal favourite carol, topped with the Irish accent to boot. "Oh Holy Night" deserves praise, as the power surges once again in this hymn.
For the kids, "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" is the last song on the album, but not the last track. Ryan and Joel send their Christmas greetings, and remind the listener not commit suicide this time of year on the seventh track titled "Sincerely". To quote them, "… a lot of people do that this year, it gets ugly, if nothing else there's a reason to live." And if you can't find a reason to live, grab a glass of Irish cheer in one hand and McKenna's full length album "Harlots and Savages" in the other, and you'll be fine.