Album Review: Dropkick Murphys – 'Signed And Sealed In Blood'

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Being from Boston, it’s hard to go a day without hearing about the new album from Dropkick Murphys. Though they have seven studio albums out already, the promise of new irish punk jams from the group that has served as this city’s personal soundtrack since 1996 is enough to get people talking, and this time there is plenty to discuss.

Signed And Sealed In Blood is the first new material to surface from Dropkick Murphys since 2011’s Going Out In Style. As a whole, the album showcases the Murphys at their absolute finest, with more than enough chants, heartfelt lyricism, and foot-stomping anthems to ensure their status as America’s go-to irish punk outfit lasts for years to come. There is a certain undeniable hook to the opening lines of “The Boys Are Back” that reels in even the most distracted listener with the promise of good times to come. This continues into “Prisoner’s Song,” which fans of “Shipping Up To Boston” will likely lose their minds over as driving drums and gang vocals paint an audible portrait of a crew banding together aboard the seven seas.

By the time “Rose Tattoo” rolls around it’s clear DKM have more in store than pit-inducing jams. One of the standouts on the album, “Rose” is so heartfelt I dare it permeates the way one engages with the rest of the album. It never strays to far from familiar DKM territory, but it does blend the world of ballads and anthems in seamless fashion. This concept is repeated later on “Jimmy Collins’ Wake” and “Don’t Tear Us Apart” with equal success, but it’s likely the crowd-pleasing rock entries in between that will have people coming back again and again. Tracks like “Burn” and “The Battle Rages On” blast through the speakers with an infectious energy that will assuredly bring the house down on tour, and the subtler numbers (such as “My Hero”) pack emotional blows that are second to none.

The only true downfall to Signed And Sealed In Blood is the inclusion of the holiday song, “The Season’s Upon Us.” The track is lighthearted and flows well with the overall groove of the album, but even now in January I find myself skipping it almost every time the album is on. It’s good enough to warrant release, no doubt, but its season appeal does not last long.

Some may say Irish punk is an acquired taste, but I ilk to think there is something for everyone on Signed And Sealed In Blood. Dropkick Murphys have risen from punk favorites to national headliners, and with this release could very see themselves rising even further into the national spotlight. This is the first truly great album of 2013 and I encourage every single music fan to give it a spin (or three).

Review written by: James Shotwell