The Briggs are a punk rock act that had a hard time getting to me.  I am not saying that I was forced to listen to them; rather I missed many occasions to sample them in the past.  I either heard a song by them on a compilation and never researched it or simply showed up to a live show just as they left the stage.  Missed opportunities did not discourage me though as I finally had the prospect of seeing the Irish punk rockers The Briggs live at the 2008 Van’s Warped Tour and I made damn sure I was in the audience before they took stage. 

The Los Angeles punk rock act won me over with their punk rock energy and wholesome sound.  I was excited at my decision of finally checking them out as they were one of the few true punk rock acts on the popular tour.  Recently releasing their fourth full length album Come All You Madmen I finally got a taste of what I have been missing all these years and I must say it was scrumptious.

Formed in 2001 the foursome has continually toured the US with heavy hitting punk rock acts such as the Dropkick Murphys and Bad Religion.  They work hard at what they do and take it to heart.  Once quoted as saying that Bob Dylan and Elvis Costello are more punk than most of the punk bands out there today by taking chances and being serious about what they do, The Briggs continue the trend.

“Mad Man” started up the album with politically powerful lyrics and had plenty of sing-a-long opportunities.  The Briggs’ ode to “LA” almost has an Oi feel to it but by no means sounds like a simple creation; this ode is heartfelt to their hometown.

“Bloody Minds” had a hint of Against Me! to it, but the song was really likable, especially the horns making for one of my choice cuts off this disc.  Another track “Not Alone” really captured my attention too.  The song was catchy with unity inspired lyrics layered on top of pleasant sounding punk rock.