BOSTON, Mass. – An ode to Woody Guthrie, Okemah Rising, the new album from Boston-based punk rockers Dropkick Murphys, is a triumphant celebration of resilience and hope.
The album is a tribute to the band’s roots and the blue-collar spirit of their hometown, and it showcases their signature blend of punk rock, Celtic folk, and socially conscious lyrics.
From the opening track “Middle Finger,” which is a blistering call to arms against oppression, to the closing anthem “Until the Next Time,” which is a moving tribute to the band’s fans and the power of live music, “Okemah Rising” is an exhilarating ride.
The album features explosive guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and infectious sing-along choruses that are sure to get any crowd jumping.
Throughout the album, Dropkick Murphys tackle a range of issues, from the struggles of working-class families (“L-EE-B-O-Y”) to the fight for social justice (“The Bonny”) to the enduring power of friendship and community (“Mick Jones Nicked My Pudding”).
The band’s lyrics are thoughtful and incisive, and they are delivered with a raw and passionate energy that is impossible to ignore.
One of the standout tracks on the album is “Queen of Suffolk County,” which is a tribute to the band’s late friend and former tour manager, Billy Sullivan.
The song is a heart-wrenching ballad that showcases the band’s emotional depth and their ability to connect with their audience on a personal level.
Overall, “Okemah Rising” is a tour de force from one of the most important punk rock bands of our time. It is a powerful reminder of the power of music to inspire and unite people, and it is sure to be an instant classic in the Dropkick Murphys’ catalog.
If you are a fan of Woody Guthrie, punk rock, Celtic music, or socially conscious lyrics, then this album is a must-listen.