The difference, by ear
The same structural idea with Jamaican music instead of Irish, and the same problem of keeping acoustic instruments audible.
Ska punk is sung cleanly where Celtic punk is shouted, at much the same pace, around 140 to 200 bpm. To hear the difference, play The Pogues next to Operation Ivy. Both grew out of punk rock, Celtic punk first and ska punk three years after.
In figures
Celtic punk
Where it sits
Rock › Punk rock › Celtic punk
In short
Tin whistle, mandolin and accordion over distorted guitar. Irish pub songs turned up to eleven.
How it sounds
- Mandolin, banjo, accordion, tin whistle and fiddle beside electric guitar.
- Jig and reel rhythms accelerated to punk tempo.
- Choruses for singing in unison, pint in hand - amplified pub music.
Key acts
- The Pogues
- Dropkick Murphys
- Flogging Molly
Start here
The pickThe Pogues - Rum Sodomy & the Lash. Produced by Elvis Costello, and it shows.
Full page →Ska punk
Where it sits
In short
Ska offbeats and a horn section at punk tempo. The third wave of ska, thoroughly American.
How it sounds
- Upstroke guitar on the offbeat in verses, distortion in choruses.
- A horn section: trumpet, trombone, saxophone.
- Fast tempos, melodic bass and frequently comic lyrics.
Key acts
- Operation Ivy
- Rancid
- Less Than Jake
- Reel Big Fish
Start here
The pickOperation Ivy - Energy. Twenty-seven minutes, one band, wildly outsized influence.
Full page →