When people think of Irish influenced, they think of the great crooner Van Morrison, U2 and Boston’s Dropkick Murphys. There’s a new band in that combines the sound of both of these music styles: Paddy and The Rats. With a sound combining elements of Celtic, punk, eastern elements and pub rock, The Rats are one of the most exciting new bands to come out in the genre of Irish rock in a while. Formed in 2008, the band gets it name from its credo that punk is the same in music as rats among the animals – dirty and malicious, and they exactly play it.

Paddy & The Rats was formed by the singer-songwriter Paddy, Vince (bass) and Joey (electric guitar) in 2008. Then Seamus (drums) joined them and two classically trained musicians, Sonny (accordion) and Sam (fiddle, tin whistle, banjo and bagpipe) hopped on board next. The band took the blend of instruments and musical backgrounds to write, record and release their first album, Rats On Board.

Though you’d expect the band to be from Ireland, they are actually from Miskolc, Hungary. Not surprisingly, the core of their band base is in Europe, as demonstrated as the extensive tour they recently completed, which took them across Hungary, Romania and Germany. In addition to this recent tour, they’ve also played more than 100 gigs this year, including festivals in Hungary, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, Slovakia and Serbia. Their sound however, is not exclusive to this region. Their upbeat, catchy tunes and high-energy live performances will soon be making its way to the U.S.

Currently signed to independent labels Nordic Records and Uncleowen Records in Japan, don’t be surprised when Paddy and The Rats wash up on the shores of the North America soon. With an infectious sound that is as eclectic as the instruments itself, keep Paddy and The Rats on your radar and don’t be surprised if you hear from them in the near future.