Keeping with its tradition of providing honest, fist-pumping Irish punk music, Flogging Molly [ tickets ] is preparing to release its next studio album, "Float," on March 4.

"It's genuine, soulful music," said bassist Nathen Maxwell. "People of all walks of life can relate to it. They can feel that honesty and integrity. It's not a flash-in-the-pan band. And I think we just have great fans. The people who have been supporting Flogging Molly over the years are just amazing people. With that combination, you can't go wrong."

And there couldn't be a bigger Flogging Molly fan than Maxwell. Calling his 12-year tenure in the band "a pretty sweet job," the Colorado native says he joined Flogging Molly because of its members' adept musicianship.

"At the time, I was really looking to be in the best band," Maxwell said. "I just wanted to play music. I just wanted to be around great musicians and be in the best band."

When he heard vocalist Dave King singing backed by drummer George Schwindt and fiddler Bridget Regan, Maxwell was impressed. The band is rounded out by guitarist Dennis Casey and mandolin player Bob Schmidt.

"The next thing I know, the bass player left and Dave asked me to join. I was stoked. It still is a thrill after 12 years," Maxwell explained.

Flogging Molly currently is touring in support of "Float." The album's title, Maxwell explained, has a slight political slant; one that reflects the band's feelings about the world's turbulent times.

"Hopefully, we can all keep our heads above water and stay afloat," Maxwell said. "Times seem to be pretty heavy, so it's a metaphor for that. Hopefully, we can survive this."