Taking a break from the constant touring of their homeland for a month, the inimitable Larry and His Flask will be storming across the UK and mainland Europe, flooding the land with nothing but furious shanties and non-stop dancing.
A much-needed burst of joy for our continent, these five Oregon natives look to spread their frenetic homespun bluegrass and anarchic rock even further than ever. Five albums on, including last year's stupendous By the Lamplight released by Xtra Mile Recordings, every song is imbued with infectious energy, seething through every raucous note. You don't even have to know the words; you'll just know you'll want to join in.
Label mates Crazy Arm join them for a number of the May dates. The politically-driven, fiddle-toting folk punk group have just finished their European tour in support of third album, 'The Southern Wild' released last year on Xtra Mile. They're all set to complement the rousing celebratory atmosphere with strident melodies, strong words, and robust hearts.
MAY
01 Hamburg (DE) @ Pirate Satellite Festival 20
02 Meerhout (BE) @ Groezrock
03 Stuttgart (DE) @ Pirate Satellite Festival
04 Bamberg (DE) @ Freiraum *
07 London (UK) @ Borderline *
08 Southampton (UK) @ UNIT Club *
09 Newport (UK) @ Le Pub *
10 Harlow (UK) @ The Square *
11 Newcastle (UK) @ The Cluny 2 *
12 Manchester (UK) @ The Star & Garter *
13 Brighton (UK) @ Prince Albert *
16 Freiburg (DE) @ The Great Raeng Teng Teng
17 Timelkam (AT) @ GEI Musikclub
18 Vienna (AT) @ Teenage Riot Festival
20 Berlin (DE) @ Auster Club *
21 Kiel (DE) @ Schaubude *
22 Amsterdam (NL) @ Paradiso
23 Deventer (NL) @ Burgerweeshuis *
24 Leeuwarden (NL) @ Fries Straatfestival
* - support from Crazy Arm
For those unlucky enough not to have experienced them before, Larry and His Flask make music that lies somewhere between a barn raising and a mosh pit. The New York Times calls them "uncommonly joyous" and "deviously astute", while their live show is a "breathless, polymorphous good time." Originally conceived as a four piece punk band, the group has swelled into a fully realized line-up with strong Americana influences complete with stand-up bass, mandolin and banjo. Their live act is not to be missed - unlike any other band playing music today, Larry and His Flask truly incorporate their audiences into each show, connecting to create an experience that converts everyone into fans and permeates the border between performer and spectator. Performances see members careening wildly across the stage with instruments, narrowly avoiding harrowing collisions amongst themselves and frequently trading said instruments mid-song while still maintaining pitch-perfect 4-part harmonies.
“There is so much verve and spirit on display, not to mention clever songwriting, which sees them weave moving, intriguing and entertaining stories through their heartfelt music. And if they are half as exciting live as they are on record, Larry And His Flask are a special entity indeed.” – 4 out of 5 review in Alternative Press
“As expected and hoped for, we’re treated to more lashings of old time country tropes reconfigured through the equalizing lends of punk rock. It’s truly riveting stuff…” - 9 out of 10 review in Rock Sound (UK)