Since the mid-‘90s, Dropkick Murphys have embodied Boston’s blue collar, fighting Irish spirit. Meshing cheeky lyrics with bagpipe-laced punk, they elevate drinking songs into stadium anthems. Previously, their formula grew tired but here they gain redemption. Tracks like “Kicked to the Curb,” their take on romance gone sour, or the comical “First Class Loser,” punch hard. Other tunes, such as “4 - 15 - 13” (a tribute to victims of the Boston Marathon bombing) or “Sandlot” (a wistful reminiscence on the innocence of child- hood) turn softer and reveal immense heart.
Score: 8 out of 10
Dropkick Murphys
11 Short Stories of Pain & Glory
Born & Bred Records
Producer: Ted Hutt
