Dropkick Murphys
The Meanest Of Times

THE REVIEW

Let's Go Murphys!

After selling over 600,000 copies of the successful "The Warrior’s Code" from 2005, the Boston combo is back with a new work once again infused with the flavor of Irish folk and the most wicked and fun punk rock ever.

The album opens with the fast-paced "Famous for nothing" followed by the bagpipes of the splendid "God willing"; an epic beginning that paves the way for the real standout, which is also the first single released, "State of Massachusetts". In this track, the group’s technical skill is combined with touching songwriting, and so the accordion and banjo catapult us into the dusty proletarian world of Boston where the tales of the miserable victims of injustice become fables and ballads. There is an energetic upswing with "Tomorrow’s industry", a typical punk rock song in the style of Rancid. Then we have "Echoes on A street", original and catchy, and again "Vices and virtues" and "Surrender", the usual Dropkick Murphys songs.

Noteworthy is the gritty "(F)lanningan’s Ball" accompanied by the pogo anthem "I’ll begin again". A glimpse of tranquility is given by "Fairmount Hill", a melancholic, all-Celtic, and solemn ballad. Our thoughts wander on the foamy shores of the East Coast and the desperate love story dissolves in a missed dream. However, we are awakened by the wicked refrain of "Loyal to no One". Finally, there is "Johnny I hardly Knew ya", Irish punk to the tune of a military litany from the Civil War, and the Thin Lizzy cover "Jailbreak", a tribute to the fathers of hard rock made in Dublin.

My considerable passion for the group obviously cannot lead me to give a negative judgment on the album, yet I reproach the Murphys for a certain continuity in the structure of the songs, as they revive a formula well-established since "Sing Loud, Sing Proud!". The real commendation for "The Meanest of Times" certainly goes to the song lyrics; Al Barr and Ken Casey have truly outdone themselves.

Album recommended obviously to fans of the genre, but it could be an excellent starting point for those wanting to venture into the band’s music for the first time.