John M. @ Shite’N’Onions:

Solid is the word I think of after giving some serious spins to ‘Iron Rations”, the debut from PA based Birmingham Six (named after 6 Irish men wrongly convicted of bombings in England in the 1970s). The Six (4 actually) play solid contemporary Irish-American rock’n'roll that occasionally veers into punk - influences include The Pogues, The Clancys, The Who and Flogging Molly. The tracks are a nice mix of traditional/standards and originals. My favorite track is “His Favorite Spot”; an ode to a well loved bucket of blood and of course if you’re in that particular bucked of blood on Paddy’s day and Birmingham Six are playing a great time is guaranteed (though you might not remember anything the next day).

 

John B. @ Paddy Rock Radio:

It’s about time that these seasoned musicians have put together their debut CD with “Iron Rations”!! Barry Breslin has been performing these traditional Irish tunes for a long time now, and here with his cohort within the Birmingham Six (James Breslin - Bass, vocals, Brian Kelly - Drums, Paul Wiese - Vocals, guitar, mandolin) their love for the music shines through. “Iron Rations” is pretty rough around the edges, but the CD packs some pretty good versions of songs like “Nancy Whiskey”, “Foggy Dew”, “Streets Of Sorrow/Birmingham Six”, “Finnegan’s Wake”, “Back Some In Derry”, and “South Australia” for a band making their first release. The true surprise to me is how well their original tracks took shape on this recording… really well written songs, and had me even tapping my foot along with each beat as they took off. This is a fun Irish Pub Rockin band for you to enjoy while kicking back a couple pints… hell… even kick back a couple in the office when the bos s isn’t looking to this fun disc. If you enjoy the sounds of Bogside Rogues, The Broken Shillelaghs, The Gobshites, Kevin Flynn & The Avondale Ramblers, and hell… even the Pogues…. you will love this true Irish Folk Rock band. Have these boys come play at your favorite pub… and raise your pints high and sing along…. Hats off to Barry, Paul, and the whole gang for shooting me this disc.

 

Rory @ Radio Rebel Gael:

Cheers to Jimmy Breslin, from the Birmingham Six, for sending along those tunes from the brand new album, Iron Rations…they are one of those bands you just can’t pass up. Kind of like my favorite Celtic Paddy Punkers, Blood or Whiskey. As far as Celtic Rock & Reel, I would say Birmingham Six are one of the best new Celtic Rock bands these days…