This is a cute folk-rock for the masses. That doesn’t need that the guys are not fun. Dropkick Murphys is a band who connects jocks, rockers, alternative guys, alcoholic, posers and those who listen to everything young people are listening to. Although, they don’t kick ass.
Easy rhythm, less distortions and less yelling brought the band to their 9th full-length album and the successor of 2013’s Signed & Sealed In Blood. All the trademark elements are there, but the lack of fresh ones is conspicuous. Warning: Choruses are still obnoxiously repetitive.
Ken Casey and the crew decided to pay an homage to the legends, idols, victims of terrorist attacks, friends and family. On eleven songs, I have heard something that sounds like Johnny Cash, Queen, Social Distortion and Flogging Molly. In the first song, I also think I saw green fields of Lord Of The Rings world.
Apropos Flogging Molly, I must say that this is not the first time I have noticed the similarity between these two bands. There is also a little bit of Dave King resemblance towards the end of the album.
So, big minus for repetitive choruses and insufficient explosions, but dedication and solid affections compensate for all of it. This is especially the case on the closing track Until The Next Time that gives birth so positive melancholy and smells like beer foam. It should be their encore song, and not only due to its title.
My favorite is You’ll Never Walk Alone, while the old-school fans will appreciate Rebels With A Cause and I Had A Hat.
Paying My Way and Blood nurture traditional anthem sound of Murphys and could be liked by everyone. First Class Loser describes someone who is either you or a person who is in your surrounding.
Pop-rock waters Dropkick Murphys decided to swim in over the past couple of years anchored them in 11 Short Stories Of Pain And Glory, the most approachable album of their discography. I am pretty sure they will amplify their fanbase after this record. The old fans who are not impressed by it will return to their old stuff. The equilibrium is bulletproof, at least for now. This is not a band you easily give up on.
