OK, so the album title means you probably shouldn't leave the Ogham Stone's debut recording lying around the house where the children can see. It's in questionable taste, but it's a signal to potential listeners that the band, based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, isn't pussy-footing around with its music.

The Stones are a raucous Celtic punk band, fronted by John Flavin, who sings with a smoky growl that suggests he might be planning to bite. Sharing vocal duties are Mollie Swartz (violin), Amanda Paveglio (bagpipes, accordion, tin whistles) and Shawn O'Neal (drums). The band also includes Neal Kreider (bass guitar), Matt Underhill (mandolin, banjo, electric guitar) and James Willis (acoustic and electric guitars).

They boldly claim the title of "Lancaster's greatest Celtic Rock band," and I can't argue with the claim -- I don't think there are any others of note in the county. But don't let that stop you from enjoying the album, with highlights including traditional songs ("Star of the County Down," "The Foggy Dew/Come Out Ye Black & Tans") and a couple of covers ("The World is Full of Bastards," incisively sung by Swartz, and "Wild Winds of Misfortune," written by fellow Lancastrian Leo DiSanto). A live recording of "The Wild Rover" is packed with raw enthusiasm.

Your best bet, though, is to catch the Stones live. Their performance energy is infectious.

[ visit the Ogham Stones online ]