The Dropkick Murphys
The Meanest of Times
3.5/5

Who It’s For: Fans of bands such as Flogging Molly and the Pogues
Sounds Like: Punk rock blended with Celtic folk

As the Dropkick Murphys release their sixth full length album, The Meanest of Times, one thing is clear. This band doesn’t change much, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing with these guys.

Unlike previous records, the Dropkick Murphys released this record on their own through Born and Bred Records. Their new album is chock full of the most energetic punk songs we’ve heard from this Boston band in a while and they are still rocking their usual unity infused genre of punk rock with a Celtic folk twist. The fifteen tracks are stuffed with their classic Celtic bagpipes, tin whistles, fiddles and spirited gang vocals.

The band draws from friends, family, growing up and societal influences for lyrical content and don’t fall short of memorable lyrics that will have crowds going crazy at live shows. “Famous For Nothing” is about trying to avoid those societal issues like drugs, the streets and parents while the second track, “God Willing,” is an ode to lost friends. “The State of Massachusetts” is the current single from the album and was a solid choice with a fun fiddle intro. “(F)lannigan’s Ball” is a special treat as it features guest vocals from Spider Stacy of the Pogues and Ronny Drew from the Dubliners.

Track Listing:

1. Famous For Nothing
2. God Willing
3. State Of Massachusetts
4. Tomorrow’s Industry
5. Echoes On “A”. Street
6. Vices And Virtues
7. Surrender
8. (F)lannigan’s Ball
9. I’ll Begin Again
10. Fairmount Hill
11. Loyal To No One
12. Shattered
13. Rude Awakenings
14. Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya
15. Never Forget

- Lauren Garbutt