If you like the Dropkick Murphys’ previous albums, you’re going to love Going Out In Style. If you have never heard of the Dropkick Murphys… well, you’re going to love Going Out In Style. Trust me. Celebrating 15 years since they first formed, the Dropkick Murphys have an instantly recognisable brand of punk music. The band reaches into the deeply Celtic history of home state Massachusetts and revs it up to a very moshable pace. Drinking songs with a punk chaser, if you will.
It’s difficult to work out a favourite track on GOIS; the songs all join to create something that is better than the sum of its parts. The listener flies through the album with hardly a chance to drink their beer. “Take ‘Em Down” is a call to arms for workers, and was released in response to the workers’ rights demonstrations in Wisconsin this winter, keeping true to their close ties to the causes championed by the working class and unions in particular. “Cruel” is an ode to family and growing up, and possibly the slowest song on the record. “Sunday Hardcore Matinee” wistfully describes the brotherhood shared by friends going to raise hell at a punk show. They also cover the traditional “Irish Rover” story with their own twist – prepare yourself, and Granny!
Accordion, bagpipe, penny whistle, and shouting choruses, with pounding drums and electric (in both senses of the word) guitar lead to an enjoyable experience from the Dropkick Murphys. For optimum results, get to drinking to excess while this is playing, and invite a couple of friends over before hitting the town to see what kind of mischief the night has in store for you. It just feels natural to be clinking glasses and rough-housing with Going Out In Style as the perfect soundtrack.
