Review Summary: Sophomore record “The Gangs All Here” marks a new direction for the Dropkick Murphys, drawing them even closer to a breakthrough record. This however, is not it.
When vocalist and lead songwriter Mike McColgan left the Dropkick Murphys, the band was placed in a bit of a dilemma. How would they proceed? McColgan was arguably the most significant member of the band in defining their sound in debut “Do or Die.” McColgan had virtually set the foundation for the band to grow off of, causing the Murphys to develop the sound that they are most closely associated with. Sophomore record “The Gangs All Here” marks a new direction for the Dropkick Murphys, drawing them even closer to a breakthrough record. This however, is not it.
“The Gangs All Here” is a full-fledged military focus, and hits even harder and harsher than its predecessor.
Roll Call is authentication of the militant technique, group vocals and snair drums define the record’s intent. Following the opener however, new vocalist Al Barr’s ruthless and raspy rumble on
Blood and Whiskey is an indication that this will be much more of an unforgiving album.
Blood and Whiskey is a fierce and powerful track, its hardcore punk style elevates the likes of
Do or Die. Barr is not just responsible for the Murphy’s vocal change, for he is complemented perfectly by bassist Ken Casey’s raspy, but yet less potent shout. In fact, the tandem of vocalists is much more present here than in “Do or Die,” and have had an instrumental role in forming the Dropkick Murphys that are known at the present day. This pairing is at its best on the uplifting and brilliant
Upstarts and Broken Hearts, Casey taking the lead on the verses while Barr’s growl provides the track with muscle. This track holds a contrasting message than the rest of the record, “Through thick and thin, she stood by you, she held the key to my broken heart.”
Despite the fact that “The Gang’s All Here” has fifteen original tracks to offer, it does not disappoint to suggest two tremendous traditional tracks.
The Fighting 69th is in particular, a testament to the Army National Guard’s 69th Infantry Regiment. “Come all you gallant heroes, and along with me combined. I'll sing a song, it won't take long, Of the Fighting Sixty Ninth. They're a band of men brave, stout and bold, from Ireland they came, and they hailed a leader to the fore, and Cocoran was his name.” The second and final traditional piece is a bagpipe-punk rock laden rendition of
Amazing Grace. The bagpipes play the melody and are what drives the piece, with distorted guitars providing a great deal of edge and life.
Amazing Grace may come off as a simple cover, but is truly brilliant. This proves to be the only song on the record that bagpipes are featured on however, somewhat hindering the success of the album.
“The Gangs All Here” doesn’t dissatisfy to be an improvement from its predecessor, but at the same time does not make significant progress. The record is weighed down from a lack of variety; a great deal of the songs follow the same punk track form. Closer
The Gang’s All Here is one of these exceptions, for it gives off a unifying ambience and has a much more chilled feel. Barr’s vocals lead the entire band, in which all join in for the full effect, “Singing hail, hail, the gang’s all here. Leave your worries at the door boy, they're not going anywhere. Hail, hail the gang's all here, when the going gets tough, I know my friends will still be there.” The closing track not only sums up what the record is about, but really defines the Dropkick Murphys. In effect, “The Gang’s All Here” is a tremendous leap forward for the band, lacking in a few areas that would produce excellence.
Recommended Tracks:
Blood and Whiskey
Upstarts and Broken Hearts
The Fighting 69th
Amazing Grace
The Gang’s All Here
