The Noisy Drunkin’ Bastards Called The Kilmaine Saints
The Noisy Drunkin’ Bastards Called The Kilmaine Saints
by Vivian Lambert
PA Music Scene.com
December 2011
Irish rock has a very distinct sound of blending drums, guitar licks with the traditional Irish instruments of bag pipes and fiddles, to form a musical sound that will put a smile on your face, a joy in your heart, and cause your toes to tap in tune as you rock out, all of which has found a home here in Central Pa with The Kilmaine Saints. The Kilmaine Saints is a Celtic/Irish punk band from Central PA. Self described as a musical group that is equal parts Irish swagger, Scottish pride, and whiskey, as well as an explosive, high-energy Celtic rock band that will lift your hearts, your spirits, and your pint when you’re not looking, is a purely accurate description. If everyone is Irish on Saint Patrick’s Day, you don’t need to be Irish or Scottish to be a fan and enjoy the lively rockin music of The Kilmaine Saints.
List of band mates are all from Central Pa:
Mike McNaughton/Drums – Shippensburg
Jon Heller/Bass, Bagpipes – Mechanicsburg
Steve Murphy/Accordion, Bagpipes, Tin Whistle – Harrisburg
Brendan Power/Vocals – West Chester (born in County Mayo, Ireland but moved to USA in 1980)
Liz Mallin/Fiddle – Lancaster
Bill Brown/Irish Bouzouki, Bagpipes, Tin Whistle, Bass – Middletown
Dave Nields/Guitar – Middletown
The band was first formed by Jon (bass, bagpipes and Mike (drums), two members of the Harrisburg Pipe and Drums band who shared a love of music and a background in punk rock. They conspired to create a Celtic rock band and began recruiting Murphy, Billy & Frank (whom recently left the band), whom were all members of Lochiel Emerald Society Pipes & Drums. Brendan & Liz answered a Craigslist ad. Their original guitarist Craig (now plays in Red Letter Morning) was a friend of Jon’s & played with them for the 1st 6 months. Barry (who left to join the police academy) was a friend of Frank’s that was brought on to replace Craig. Dave was a fan & friend of the band that was brought on to fill Barry’s vacancy. That’s the current lineup.
When asking the band mates how and why they arrived at marrying Irish music with rock, Mike McNaughton commented that he has a Scottish background and several years of playing in punk bands, so it was natural fit for him. Jon Heller gives all credit to the Dropkick Murphys. Jon has always been a fan of punk and bagpipes and when he heard how they married the two together he was hooked.
The Kilmaine Saints released their debut album in 2010 titled, The Good, The Plaid and The Ugly to rave reviews. In December 2010, Jim Allford, then contributor for PA Music Scene, wrote “I must admit, this would be the type of Irish band that could go on tour with the best. They should meet up with The Mudmen from Canada… they would both have a field day. I highly recommend the CD for some of you Irish rockers or punkers out there, but anyone could love this CD and the band.” For a more detailed reading, check out Jim’s entire written review at
The three (3) main songwriters for The Good, The Plaid and The Ugly album were Frank, Mike & Liz, with Brendan contributing lyrics on a few songs. The bands song writing has since opened up & everyone is contributing something to the process, whether that’s having entire songs written, or collaborating with someone else.
During the interview, Mike McNaughton expressed his biased love for the song, “Saints Are Up.” Even though he was the one who wrote that song, he considers it to be very uplifting and the song has become the band’s anthem. I must admit, I do love the song ‘Amazing Grace’ on their album, perhaps it is because it is a traditional timeless piece of music. Nevertheless, I would have to agree with McNaughton, “Saints Are Up” is the band’s anthem song and shear fun with lyrics like, “we are the noisy drunkin bastards called the Kilmaine Saints.”
On the other hand, I also have to agree with Jon Heller who thinks that it would be hard to pick one particular favorite song from the album because he really likes them all. I couldn’t totally agree more! Every song will resonate with high energy, good cheer, and Celtic punk rock kick ass fun!
I have personally seen The Kilmaine Saints perform live several times. The band gives such a performance that NEVER fails to delight their fans and audience. They mix the traditional Celtic flair of kilts, Irish dancers, bagpipes and fiddles with punk rock music.
I once told Brendan Power that he is the band’s perfect lead vocalist and front man because I don’t know of anyone else who can belt out those Irish rock tunes like he can. He has such a commanding and compelling stage presence to back up his talent, as a matter of fact, they all do. Nevertheless, while watching Brendan perform, one can’t help from getting the feeling that Brendan is a natural fit to the band and that he was made to do this.
All of the band mates have full time jobs outside of performing in the band and many also are married with children, all of which keeps them very busy outside of performing. During the interview when asked what they do during their down time when they are not performing, Mike McNaughton showed his wicked sense of humor when he commented, “you can usually find me in a bubble bath, with a glass of merlot, listening to my favorite Carpenters CD, writing erotic stories to Dear Penthouse.” Time well spent McNaughton, time well spent.
Calling all curious music seekers and/or music lovers of the Kilmaine Saints, come and check out sample clips from their cd on last.fm: http://www.last.fm/music/Kilmaine+Saints
Don’t forget to check out The Kilmaine Saints web site at http://www.kilmainesaints.com for band information, where you can find a list of their concert dates and locations, as well as booking information. If interested in booking the band, always keep in mind that they book out several months in advance, so the sooner you contact the band, the better. You can reach the band at booking@kilmainesaints.com, or call Mike @717-385-9100.
To all of you PA Music Scene readers, don’t wait for Saint Patricks Day to enjoy the lively, loud, punk rock Celtic tunes of The Kilmaine Saints! It’s good to be The Good, The Plaid and The Ugly any and every day of the year!
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