20 Years of Mayhem with Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly
When you think of Ireland you think of castles, beautiful rolling hills and landscapes, maybe you’re a bit stereotypical and think of leprechauns, but you may also think of having a grand time with your mates at a pub. And along with time at the pub comes some good ole’ pub songs.
Let’s now bring things back to America and focus on some of the most amazing celtic-punk bands that are welcome at any Celtic themed party. Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly have been causing havoc and throwing a curveball to punk music for over 20 years, both on their own and together.
Next week the kings of celtic-punk will be bringing their Summer tour through Raleigh NC at the downtown Red Hat Amphitheater. Both bands are riding on 2017 album releases and you can be sure that they’ll be playing both new and old music.
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Stream and see our thoughts on both albums from Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly.
Dropkick Murphys - “11 Short Stories of Pain & Glory”
| This album falls right into place with the anthemic nature of all of Dropkick Murphys’ past albums. While it’s not as rough and harsh around the edges, as what came before it makes up for it with uplifting and more positive writing. On the album, the Boston band takes on a thrilling cover of the Liverpool football club anthem "You'll Never Walk Alone" and speak out about the tragedy in the Boston marathon bombing on the track “4-15-13.” This song stands as a tribute to the victims and those affected by the event, but rather than dwelling on the bombing it’s an empowering song about being from Boston. “11 Short Stories of Pain & Glory” is first and foremost definitely a Dropkick Murphys album even if it’s not as grit and dirty as past albums. It definitely lives up to its title with the highs and lows of pain and glory. |
Flogging Molly - “Life Is Good”
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Similar to Dropkick Murphys’ new album, Flogging Molly’s “Life Is Good” is more positive and upbeat than past releases. “There’s Nothing Left Pt.1” eases us into the album while “The Hand of John F Sullivan” and “Welcome to Adamstown” throw you right into fire like celtic punch to the face.
The feeling turns as the album progresses with more optimism. For example, the chorus of “Hope” is a sing-a-long worthy “Hope is still a shout away, a shout away, like it was yesterday”. More political focused tracks “Crushed (Hostile Nations)” and “Reptiles (We Woke Up)” keep a classic Flogging Molly trend alive, but they both add to the overall sense of optimism that is present at the center of “Life Is Good”. |
