Review Summary: The Dropkick Murphys made a loud entrance to the music scene, creating the celtic-infused punk that Irish-blooded Americans have raved about these past ten years.
Ahh the Dropkick Murphys. "Don’t they do that song from The Departed?"
Well, yes.
Although not receiving a great deal of commercial recognition, the band has received a great deal of critical acclaim, and have quite a cult following. These Bostonians have taken Irish-blooded Americans by storm since the late 1990’s with their Celtic-infused punk. To this day, the Dropkick Murphys have been known for a very distinct and original sound, complete with raspy and brutal vocals, bagpipes, and even glimpses of folk rock. Despite comparisons with Irish folk rock band Flogging Molly, the Dropkick Murphys have been able to separate themselves from the band with a more edgy ambiance. Throughout their six studio albums from 1998 to the present, the Dropkick Murphys have changed, incorporating bagpipes more and more into their music, as well as providing some variety. Their 1998 debut “Do or Die” is virtually a solid starting point for a band that has continued to grow throughout their career.
“Do or Die” basically is a model for which all Dropkick Murphys records stemmed from. You won’t be far-fetched to discover military based tracks, in which is displayed from opener
A Cadence to Arms. This is, in effect a cover of
Scotland the Brave, which is basically the most renowned song associated with bagpipes.
A Cadence to Arms not only kicks off the album in style, but is a fitting and outstanding start to the band’s career. As the final notes of the opener fade out however, the blistering and powerful
Do or Die fades in. Lead singer Mike McColgan is nonsensically shouting, “Caught in a drift in greedy nintetie's days So inside this song is our rally cry,” as Matt Kelly beats his drums to a pulp. The title track is virtually an indication of what the album will sound like, its typical punk feel propels the record.
The Dropkick Murphys show they are not afraid to cover traditional Irish tunes, delivering rocking versions of both
Finnegan’s Wake and
Skinhead on the MBTA. The former is a hard hitting piece, McColgan rapidly singing, “His friends assembled at his wake and Missus Finnegan called for lunch, first they brought in tay and cake then pipes, tobacco an' whiskey punch!”
Skinhead on the MBTA is a cover of traditional song
Charley on the MBTA, in which Charley did not bring enough money on the train to get off. The Murphys’ version is a bit humorous, “Now all night long skinhead drives through the station wondering who can I go and see, can't afford to buy crack in Chelsea or a bundle in Roxbury.” Group vocals make an appearance to round out the record, conveying the theme of unity in which the Dropkick Murphys bind to.
Despite the fact that much of the record is straightforward punk, “Do or Die” presents a great deal of variety, for
Far Away Coast is a much more relaxed track that begins with an Irish flute solo. Your typical Dropkick Murphys drinking song is not absent here as well;
Barroom Hero defines Irish drinking song with McColgan shouting, “He's been at it for years drinking balls and beer he's a hero to most he meets, but inside he cries black swollen eyes, this man he sheds no tears!” “Do or Die” does not disappoint to provide some excellent tunes, and is virtually the point at which the Dropkick Murphys developed from.
Recommended Tracks:
Do or Die
Far Away Coast
Barroom Hero
Finnegan’s Wake
Skinhead on the MBTA
