Sir Reg

Sir Reg

Sir Reg is a Celtic punk and folk rock group from Köping, Sweden, active since 2002. The band begins as The Barcrawlers, a pub band that plays Irish songs, covers and traditional material across Scandinavia before developing into Sir Reg and focusing on original music. The group’s sound combines Celtic rock, folk punk and related styles with violins, banjos, flutes, accordions, mellotrons and distorted guitars.

Background

The project starts in 2001, when Brendan, Karin and Karin’s brother rehearse for a local bar performance. Brendan has recently moved from Dublin to Sweden and continues singing and playing after leaving Ireland. Over the following years the line-up changes several times, largely because of heavy touring, but the core of the band keeps performing extensively and builds up several hundred shows.

After a long run as a pub band, the group decides to move on to material they write themselves. Sir Reg is the result of that change in direction, with the members drawing on a wide range of influences and musical backgrounds. The name is pronounced “Sir. Redge”.

Line-up and style

The band is described as a quintet. Brendan handles vocals, while the violinist Karin, a Swedish musician, is noted for her fiddle playing. The remaining members play drums, bass and electric guitar. Their influences include The Pogues, Horslips, Flogging Molly, Blur, David Bowie, Oasis, The Beatles, The Dubliners and Dropkick Murphys.

Releases

In late 2009, Sir Reg releases This is SIR REG, an eight-track EP built around strong melodies, broad choruses and personal lyrics. The release features the group’s mix of Celtic-influenced instrumentation and distorted guitar, setting out the sound they develop as they continue as a band.