mike pawula (guitar) . t. duggins (voice/mandolin) . aaron duggins (tin whistle) . danny shaw (bass/backing vocals) . bones (drums) . becca (violin)
Our Story
The Tossers
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To get the full scope of what a truly independent band embodies, there’s no need to look any further than THE TOSSERS. Not only have these Chicago revelers been the premier go-to group for Irish anthems, but they’ve done it by carving their own unique path in the musical landscape. Without succumbing to the latest trend or losing any ounce of their fiery traditional roots, THE TOSSERS have made their name in producing a patented brand of punk-rock that never loses the Celtic flavor. Showcasing that complexity in two studio albums and a live offering, the band recently delivered its latest studio album, 2008's On a Fine Spring Evening. And before you conclude that all those confessional tunes about whiskey and pubs have affected this band’s sense of seasons, guitarist Mike Pawula would like to explain. “It was written in the spring, and it really has more of a spring feel to it,” Pawula notes. “It’s more upbeat than the last two records, and those had much more dramatic titles. This album is much more positive, a good time straight through.”
Indeed, On a Fine Spring Evening is a departure from their previous efforts, Agony and In the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Though the infectious instrumentation and glass-toasting sing-alongs are still in tact, there’s a fresh sense of energy that courses through frontman Tony...
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Duggins’ rollicking growl and inspired lyrics. The band follow suit with skilled layers of mandolin, fiddle, tin whistle and banjo, and do so with an unparalleled authenticity that many bands would envy to recreate.“We always like to try to do different things, individually and collectively,” Pawula explains. “As a group, we work together pretty well so we can bounce ideas off of each other.” And while THE TOSSERS are no stranger to lengthy albums (Agony boasted 17 tracks), only three or four hit the cutting room floor this go-round. “We really wanted to make the best overall piece, and we’ve put together an album where every track fits best.”
Recorded once again with trusted producer Andy Gerber at Millionyen Studios in the Windy City, THE TOSSERS have found their niche when it comes to laying down their fervent melodies. For a collective that has been playing together for over 15 years, it’s still a comfortable yet challenging process. Coming off a successful European tour and, of course, a surge of dates in March, the band was in a great mindset to start work on the record, which is clearly evident on the final product.
Featuring standout tracks like “Katie at the Races” and “Whiskey Makes Me Crazy” (which Pawula calls “the fastest song we’ve ever done”), there’s no shortage of fresh Irish anthems to bellow.
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