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The newest album to be released by this Celtic punk band is a concept album taking the band's own personal experiences and family folklore and incorporating them into the story of a fictional man named Cornelius Larkin. Going Out in Style traces Larkin's journey, including the Irish immigrant's first person account of his own wake or the band's in depth interpretation of his life and lineage in the lyrics of the album.

My first impression of this album indicates that it is a sturdy symbol of the dedication and quality that this band puts into their songwriting and recording. It opens up in classic style with "Hang 'Em High," a relatively fast-paced heavier rock song that stays true to the well-known sound this band has developed. It certainly starts the album off on a good note and brings you in hungry for more.

Listening from song to song I was continually impressed by the successive quality that each one displayed. I felt myself particularly impressed and emotionally moved by the lyrics of the song "Cruel." It brought back memories of simpler times, and the song's melody instilled a certain nostalgic power deep into the roots of its feel. It was the kind of song I could imagine a whole crowd singing, knowing every word by heart. In fact most of the songs on this album seem that way, most likely because of the style of the vocal arrangements that often incorporates crowds or many voices.

The myriad of guest musicians in this album only serve to diversify the music somewhat and add to the collaborative feel. I was intrigued to find NOFX's Fat Mike a guest for the album's title track, "Going Out In Style", as well as Bruce Springsteen adding his own vocals to "Peg O' My Heart." These guest performances are certainly helpful in making this album stand out.

My favorite song off of the album is without a doubt "Broken Hymns." It has a particularly interesting drum line, mixed with catchy riffs and a comparatively slower tempo. I feel it is the most unique song off of the album, and I have listened to it many, many times without growing tired of its musical power.

The only grievances I have with this album are mostly small things. While there is certainly a diverse arrangement of songs, not all of the songs seem to be completely original in their style. I noticed a lot of similarities between songs that, while not necessarily a bad thing, did dampen the experience somewhat.

Those grievances aside, this is an excellent album that I would recommend to any Dropkick Murphys fan. The original album art, an arrangement that contains several unique and inspiring songs, and the cultural ties that this album atones to all serve to create an atmosphere of warm feelings and brotherhood. With themes like working class empowerment and references to the band's hometown of Boston, there is something in here for everyone to enjoy. The album ends with a strong cover of the traditional Irish song "The Irish Rover," a testament to their fans and to themselves that wraps up the album in a fun way and leaves you with good feelings and a desire to listen again.