The Dropkick Murphys reaffirmed their status as one of the preeminent Irish rock bands this month when they released their seventh studio album, Going Out in Style.  Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day and National ShamrockFest, which they headlined March 12, the band is back with the blaring bagpipes, tin whistles and banjos that have made them so popular over the past decade, and fans will not be disappointed.

However, while their sound has largely remained unchanged, the new record does feature something new and different: it is a concept album, meaning that the songs tell the story of the life and plights of a hardworking Irish immigrant.

According to the Murphys’ official website, “these songs take the band’s own personal experiences and family folklore and roll them into the story of one fictional character, Cornelius Larkin.”  The lyrics chronicle his life’s journey, whether it is the war veteran’s “first person account of his own wake or the band’s in depth interpretation of his life and lineage.”

The album begins blazingly fast with the tracks “Hang ‘Em High” and “Going Out in Style.” The latter sounds like a rowdy, city-wide party in the band’s hometown of Boston, once again paying tribute to their diehard Bruins and Red Sox allegiances as the music video features Boston athletes Bobby Orr, Kevin Youkilis, Shawn Thornton and Milan Lucic.

The record ends up having a satisfying mix of fast and slow-paced numbers, as songs like “Cruel” and “Broken Hymns” offer a welcome and introspective glimpse into the experiences of Larkin as well as the band members themselves.

The Murphys, who have always been politically active and public about their pro-union views, benefited from near perfect timing, as they released the song “Take ‘Em Down” at the same time massive union protests were occurring in Wisconsin.  Despite the fact that it was written in August, the song about the working man’s struggle has since been dedicated to those opposing the Wisconsin state budget cuts.

While the concept aspect certainly gives Going Out in Style an interesting storyline, the Dropkick Murphys’ tone and musical style essentially remains the same as it has since their formation in 1996, which is obviously a positive for Celtic punk rock fans.  However, since it is so similar to their previous work, the album will not convert many skeptics into fans.  If one has not been fond of the Murphys in the past, there is nothing here that will change one’s mind.