Though nowhere as famous an Irish rock band as U2, the Young Dubliners are more authentic ... and fun. From the crisp, infectious, and fiddle-driven "Bodhrain" to the commercial title track, with lyrics by band fan Bernie Taupin, this L.A based bunch succeeds.

A sextet comprised of Irish and American musicians, the Young Dubliners deliver Celtic-tinged rock, with tin whistle, fiddle, flute, and mandolin alongside traditional rock instrumentation. That said, much of Red consists of rootsy, not overtly Celtic rock, and wouldn't be out of place next to the Black Crowes or Matchbox 20 on the airwaves -- notably, the lilting, emotional pop of "Red." While the Hammond B-3 accents and a plaintive flute on "Stop Me" turn up the heat on an average song, the shout-along chorus, upbeat tempo, acute fiddle, and time changes in "What Do You Want From Me?" create an intense edge. Likewise, the Young Dubs' take on the Waterboys' "Fisherman's Blues" is straight-ahead and true to the original, while the poignant, mellow "Apart" finds vocalist/acoustic guitarist Keith Roberts at his emotional best.

Ultimately, the Young Dubliners may not break new ground with Red, but their engagingly listenable songs will leave eyes of any nationality smiling.