Description
The Dropkick Murphys – Turn Up That Dial – Vinyl Record
The Dropkick Murphys’ Turn Up That Dial (2021) is the tenth studio album by the American Celtic punk band, known for blending traditional Irish folk music with punk rock energy. Released during the COVID-19 pandemic, Turn Up That Dial is a high-energy, celebratory record that leans into the band’s signature sound of raucous punk anthems, bagpipes, and tin whistles. The album’s overarching theme is one of resilience, joy, and the power of music to uplift during tough times, and it’s filled with upbeat, sing-along choruses and infectious melodies.
Dropkick Murphys, hailing from Boston, have built a reputation as one of the most iconic punk bands with a unique blend of Celtic instrumentation, working-class ethos, and anthemic punk energy. Turn Up That Dial reflects the band’s commitment to keeping the spirits of their fans high, offering a collection of songs that focus on celebration, camaraderie, and perseverance.
True to form, Turn Up That Dial is packed with the Celtic punk sound that defines Dropkick Murphys. Bagpipes, mandolin, accordion, and tin whistle are prominent throughout the record, adding a traditional Irish flavor to the driving punk guitars and fast-paced rhythms. The fusion of punk rock’s raw energy and Irish folk’s melodic instrumentation creates the band’s signature raucous yet heartfelt sound.
The album focuses on upbeat, anthemic songs designed for sing-alongs, reflective of the band’s live performance ethos. Tracks are filled with big, catchy choruses and infectious energy that feels built for a festival crowd or a pub sing-along.
While the album has a polished production, capturing the band’s sound crisply and clearly, it never loses the rough-edged, rowdy feel that makes Dropkick Murphys so beloved. The album balances the energetic chaos of punk with the melodic nuances of Celtic folk music.
Key Tracks
“Middle Finger”: One of the standout tracks, “Middle Finger” is a rebellious, tongue-in-cheek anthem about giving the middle finger to life’s problems and obstacles. The song’s catchy chorus and driving punk rhythm make it an instant crowd-pleaser, with a cheeky sense of humor that exemplifies the band’s working-class attitude.
“Queen of Suffolk County”: This song tells the story of a larger-than-life female figure in Boston’s Suffolk County, blending storytelling with fast-paced punk and Celtic instrumentation. The lively tin whistle and accordion-driven melody make it one of the most energetic tracks on the album, with an infectious, singable chorus.
“Turn Up That Dial”: The title track celebrates the joy and power of music, encouraging listeners to crank up their favorite tunes and let loose. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody capture the celebratory spirit of the album, with lyrics that emphasize the importance of music as an escape and source of happiness.
“Good as Gold”: This track is an ode to friendship and resilience, with lyrics that focus on loyalty and sticking together through tough times. The anthemic chorus, backed by traditional Irish instruments, creates a sense of unity and camaraderie, making it a highlight of the album.
“Chosen Few”: A more introspective track, “Chosen Few” reflects on the band’s journey and the people who have supported them along the way. The song blends reflective lyrics with an uplifting, driving melody that highlights the band’s sense of gratitude and humility.
Turn Up That Dial focuses on themes of resilience and finding joy in tough times, a fitting message during the COVID-19 pandemic. Songs like “Turn Up That Dial” and “Good as Gold” emphasize the power of music and friendship to help navigate difficult moments, while tracks like “Middle Finger” encourage defiance and humor in the face of adversity. As with much of Dropkick Murphys’ work, the album celebrates working-class life and the resilience of everyday people. Many of the songs highlight the importance of loyalty, hard work, and perseverance, reflecting the band’s blue-collar ethos and connection to their Boston roots.
The band continues their tradition of storytelling through their music, with songs like “Queen of Suffolk County” painting vivid, character-driven narratives. The use of Irish folk-inspired melodies helps enhance the storytelling element, making the songs feel both personal and timeless.
Vocalists Al Barr and Ken Casey share lead duties, their voices full of grit and passion. Barr’s raw, punk-infused vocals contrast with Casey’s more melodic style, creating a dynamic interplay that suits the range of emotions on the album. Gang vocals and harmonies are used liberally, especially on the anthemic choruses, enhancing the album’s communal, sing-along feel. The use of traditional Celtic instruments, including bagpipes, tin whistles, mandolin, and accordion, remains central to the band’s sound. These instruments add texture and melody to the punk energy, giving the songs a distinct Irish flavor while maintaining a high-octane punk feel. The rhythm section, led by drummer Matt Kelly and bassist Ken Casey, keeps the energy high with fast, punchy beats and bass lines. The drumming is tight and powerful, driving the faster songs forward with relentless energy while keeping the tempo steady for the more melodic, folk-driven tracks.
Released in the midst of the pandemic, Turn Up That Dial served as a source of joy and relief for fans looking for something upbeat and celebratory during a difficult time. The band’s emphasis on resilience, friendship, and the power of music resonated with listeners, offering an optimistic message in uncertain times.
Dropkick Murphys remain one of the most iconic bands in the Celtic punk genre, continuing to introduce new generations to the fusion of punk rock and Irish folk. With Turn Up That Dial, the band reinforced their place as ambassadors of this unique musical style, blending modern punk with traditional folk elements in a way that feels fresh and relevant.
While the pandemic limited the band’s ability to tour at the time of the album’s release, Turn Up That Dial is designed for the live setting, with its infectious choruses and rowdy energy tailor-made for crowd participation. Fans eagerly awaited the return of live shows, where these songs would undoubtedly become new favorites in the band’s already legendary setlists.
Turn Up That Dial by Dropkick Murphys is an energetic, uplifting album that blends the band’s signature Celtic punk sound with themes of resilience, friendship, and joy. With tracks like “Middle Finger,” “Queen of Suffolk County,” and the title track, the album showcases the band’s ability to craft high-energy anthems built for live sing-alongs while offering an optimistic message during challenging times. The fusion of traditional Irish folk instrumentation with punk rock intensity creates a unique, infectious sound that continues to resonate with fans and sustain Dropkick Murphys’ place as one of the genre’s most beloved bands.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Turn Up That Dial
L-EE-B-O-Y
Middle Finger
Queen Of Suffolk County
Mick Jones Nicked My Pudding
H.B.D.M.F.
Good As Gold
Smash Shit Up
Chosen Few
City By The Sea
I Wish You Were Here
