Review Summary: "Blackout" is a testament to what the Dropkick Murphys are all about.
When the Dropkick Murphys released “Sing Loud, Sing Proud” in 2001, it became clear that the band was finally moving in the right direction. Sure, “Do or Die” and “The Gang’s All Here” had their bright spots, but seemed to be lacking the elements that define the band. “Sing Loud, Sing Proud” proved to be a vast disparity from its somewhat standard punk predecessors; it was diverse, creative, and most importantly a blast. The Murphys began to make a push for a more Celtic influenced sound, bagpipes and Irish flutes making an appearance. The band’s 2003 release “Blackout,” is essentially a more intricately developed “Sing Loud, Sing Proud,” enhancing the elements that made the album successful.
Vocalists Al Barr and Ken Casey have tremendous chemistry. Their harmonies were brilliant throughout “Sing Loud, Sing Proud,” despite the harsh and unconventional deliveries. It is almost puzzling how spectacular they harmonize; Barr’s growl is brutal and authoritative, and Casey brings a harsh, yet melodic technique to the table. This record absolutely holds true to this, and is especially apparent on
Fields of Athenry. This track in particular features a soaring and truly dazzling chorus, with Barr and Casey screaming in perfect synchronization.
Bastards on Parade is another one of these tracks, the tandem of vocalists harmonizing beautifully with, “And the world ain’t gonna change for me.”
Bastards on Parade is also elevated by a breakdown that seems like something out of the Age of Exploration, but is extravagant most prevalently by the vocal performances. Barr and Casey’s singing virtually brings the record to near epic proportions however, also provide the listener with a unifying vibe that the band is defined by.
Like its predecessor, “Blackout” doesn’t disappoint to present the variety factor, for poppy opener
Walk Away clashes with chilled acoustic track
World Full of Hate. The latter is a simple, yet extremely effective song, that practically comes out of nowhere on the album.
World Full of Hate is a testament to friendship and Casey is well, actually singing on this track. The Dropkick Murphys don’t go soft on us for long however, for the following track
Buried Alive features a thunderous and blistering entrance, guitars wailing and bagpipes convincing. The bagpipes are even more astounding than on “Sing Loud, Sing Proud,” for original piper Spicy McHaggis had left the band following that release and was replaced by Scruffy Wallace. No disrespect to Mr. McHaggis, but Scruffy proves to be even better.
Worker’s Song is an ode to this, for Scruffy’s lines are melodic and fantastic. Most importantly, he is present in nearly every track, providing the innovative style that has propelled a great deal of the Murphys success.
On the traditional end of things the Dropkick Murphys are truly at their best, for
Black Velvet Band and
Fields of Athenry are some of the greatest covers they have done to date. The former is a very deep-rooted piece, even introducing an accordion.
Fields of Athenry offers a tragic piece, a loss of freedom in an attempt at survival. “By a lonely prison wall, I heard a young girl calling. Michael, they have taken you away, for you stole Trevelyan's corn, so the young might see the morn. Now a prison ship lies waiting in the bay.” With that said, “Blackout” doesn’t disappoint to deliver those “fun” songs that have existed since “Do or Die.”
This is Your Life is ultra-catchy and a blast, and
Time to Go will get any hockey fan pumped up. Closer
Kiss Me I’m S***faced proves to be the most memorable of these tracks, and one of the greatest drinking songs of all-time. Scruffy’s bagpipes are spectacular as always, and the song is quite hilarious.
Kiss Me I’m S***faced is a Dropkick Murphys anthem, certainly one of the band’s most famous tracks which brilliantly ends up a mess with approximately one minute to go, and unfolding beautifully.
“Blackout” is essentially a growth from the band’s previous albums and may be their greatest to date. The band’s creativity is at an all-time high, accordions and guest vocalists just two of many of the records characteristics. “Blackout” is an indication that the Dropkick Murphys are a tremendous band that will throw at you much more than your conventional songwriting.
Recommended Tracks:
World Full of Hate
Fields of Athenry
Bastards on Parade
This is Your Life
Kiss Me I’m S***faced
