The Rumjacks: The Punk-Folk Force

The Rumjacks are an Australian Celtic punk band known for their high-energy fusion of folk instrumentation and punk rock spirit. Formed in Sydney in 2008, the group has built a formidable international following through relentless touring and a series of acclaimed studio albums.

Early career

The band coalesced in Sydney around the songwriting of vocalist Frankie McLaughlin, guitarist Gabriel Whitbourne, and bassist Johnny McKelvey. Their self-released 2009 debut EP, Hung, Drawn & Portered, and the 2010 follow-up EP Sound as a Pound, quickly established their raucous, pub-ready sound, blending punk energy with traditional Irish folk melodies.

Breakthrough

The Rumjacks' breakthrough arrived with their 2010 debut full-length album, Gangs of New Holland, released on the Australian indie label Laughing Outlaw Records. The album's lead single, "An Irish Pub Song," became a viral grassroots hit, amassing tens of millions of views on YouTube and becoming a staple anthem for fans worldwide, effectively putting the band on the global map.

Key tracks

An Irish Pub Song — This viral anthem from their debut album remains their most recognizable track and a live set cornerstone.

Kathleen — A fan-favorite from Gangs of New Holland that showcases their signature blend of frantic punk tempo and folk storytelling.

One for the Road — A track from their 2016 album Sleepin' Rough that exemplifies their anthemic, chorus-driven songwriting.

Sainted Millions — This powerful song highlights the band's ability to address social and historical themes with driving musical force.

Following their initial success, The Rumjacks solidified their status with albums like Sober & Godless (2015) and Sleepin' Rough (2016), touring extensively across Europe, North America, and Australia. A significant lineup change occurred in 2020 with the departure of founding vocalist Frankie McLaughlin and the arrival of new frontman Mike Rivkees, marking a new chapter for the band. Their first album with Rivkees, 2020's Hestia, and the 2022 follow-up Brass for Gold, demonstrated a continued evolution in their sound while maintaining their core energetic identity. Fans of The Rumjacks often appreciate the raucous energy of Dropkick Murphys, another band famous for merging punk rock with Celtic folk influences. The storytelling and folk-punk drive of Flogging Molly also shares clear musical DNA with The Rumjacks' approach. For the Australian Celtic punk sound, listeners might enjoy The Mahones, who explore similar thematic and musical territory. The gritty, working-class anthems of The Pogues serve as a foundational influence on the entire genre that The Rumjacks inhabit.

The Rumjacks' vibrant catalog is a staple on specialty rock and alternative radio stations, particularly those programming Celtic punk, folk-rock, and independent music. Their songs frequently energize playlists on online rock radio streams dedicated to underground and international punk scenes, bringing their global sound to new audiences daily.

You can hear the powerful folk-punk anthems of The Rumjacks on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover their music and listen to their high-energy tracks through our curated selection of rock and alternative radio stations.