East Coasters Ceann (who, Pogues-style, were forced to reduce their name from Ceann na Caca) reward both critical listening skills and the funny bone with their newest record. Lead singer/guitarist Patrick Halloran manages to skirt the fine line between silly and serious on such numbers as “Green Beer,” which is both a celebration of the imbibing of the fluorescent substance and an affectionate parody of the Saint Patrick’s Day “Irish for a day” crowd. “Almost Irish” could be a theme song for American-born Irish musicians, other songs celebrate or warn against the dangers of at least three different kinds of alcohol.

Possibly the best track is the opener, the autobiographical “31 (For Pittsburgh I am Bound)” celebrating (and likewise having a good laugh about) the band’s touring experiences. It wouldn’t work half as well if the edge of parody wasn’t simultaneously spot-on and all in good fun, but it’s particularly helped by the musicianship, featuring the whistle and banjo of Marc Wisnosky—who co-writes a few of the songs with Halloran—the fiddle of James Telfer, and the skills of guest musicians including former Black 47 piper Chris Byrne. The singing may not be virtuoso, but it’s spirited. Particularly impressive for the fact that it recreates a good pub set on record, and it’s made up of all original songs.

Dave Soyars