REVIEW: Dropkick Murphys – Signed And Sealed In Blood

Artist: Dropkick Murphys
Album: Signed And Sealed In Blood
Label: Born & Bred Records
Genre: Celtic Punk

It sure is easy to say this at this point of the year, but listening to a Dropkick Murphys record is kind of like having a typical holiday family get-together, but in your headphones. There are several elements that feel vaguely familiar, others that feel just as familiar as the back of your hand, that are all combined together to make for an ultimately fun experience. With that said, the band’s latest release, Signed And Sealed In Blood is one hell of a soiree.

For those who have lived underneath a rock for the last 10+ years of their lives, Dropkick Murphys find their flavor of punk music to be infused with Guinness (or any other traditional Irish drink for the matter). Oh, and while I’m on the subject of alcohol and Celtic punk, do rest assured that this album’s lyrics touch on so much more than what you would come to expect.

There could not have been a better pick for the opening track on Signed And Sealed In Blood than “The Boys Are Back”, which could be poetically perceived as the Dropkick’s triumphant return with their eighth full length release. The rowdy lead single, “Rose Tattoo” follows soon after with it’s macho-love-song vibe. “Jimmy Collins’ Wake” is a very folk-tinged celebration song about a fallen friend. “The Season’s Upon Us” is anything but an ordinary song about the holidays, and I’ll leave it at that for the sake of not spoiling the song’s lyrical content. One of the best written songs on the album would be “Out On The Town”, which carries this very nostalgic rock and roll throwback feel. “End Of The Night” gently caps the album off with it’s slow tempo, 50’s reminiscent piano lines, and soulful storytelling.

One of my favorite things about this SASIB is the genuinely organic feel behind the record. Nothing is neither over-produced, nor under-produced, it all sounds natural. This is the kind of production that one would imagine to belong to a mainstream punk album that recorded in 2012. The acoustic guitar parts don’t feel forced, they simply fit. Surprisingly enough, I can’t find one legitimate fault to Signed And Sealed. At all. It’s all top-notch work that will neither completely bore or surprise you, but honestly, who’s to complain? It’s Dropkick at their finest.

Score: 9/10

Review by: Adrian Garza (Twitter)

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