Sing Loud, Sing Proud

Boston's Dropkick Murphys exude an energetic rowdiness, a definite slice of punk-o-rama appeal. Fans raise their fists in the spirit of {Oi!}, and the Dropkicks playfully snarl into Irish-American song traditions and musical unity. On Sing Loud, Sing Proud, it became more than a family affair. The band's new lineup featuring James Lynch (guitar), Spicy McHaggis (bagpipes), and Ryan Foltz (mandolin) allowed the album a broad-based instrumentation, a spastic composition scaling above 1999's The Gang's All Here. The fervor surrounding a hearty jig, a group of hearty men, and social woes in the midst of relaxing with a scally cap is something commonly found among the Dropkicks' fun-spirited chants. The Torch resonates {Celtic folk} vibes, acoustics blending inside Barr's and bassist Ken Casey's roughcast duet. Good Rats and the vinyl-only version The Wild Rover feature ex-Pogue Shane MacGowan on guest vocals. One of the '80s biggest headaches, MacGowan's presence adds a hint of {old school} rock ambience, but his contributions are lackluster. Barr's throaty growl overshadows MacGowan's monotone; the songs might have done decently without him. But again, it is Shane MacGowan, one of the original barroom heroes who helped lead {Irish rock} to near mainstream level. The Dropkick Murphys do remain at the heart of things, particularly on Fortunes of War. Dedicated in memory of a {punk rock} fan who was killed in Texas, Cock Sparrer's Colin McFaull joins Barr for a touching swan song, skatepunk style. Recognizing the working class' blood and tears while patronizing the use of societal scapegoats, Fortunes of War makes Sing Loud, Sing Proud a decent addition to the band's album roster, but thanks to a pint of ale, of course. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide