‘I Know How It Feels’ by Dropkick Murphys – Single Rating: 4/5 ★★★★☆
Dropkick Murphys’ latest single release ‘I Know How It Feels’ is a very interesting song. It is all about the lyrics on this one.
The single is from their twelfth album ‘Okemah’ arriving on May 12th. Also, it will be the bands second release featuring American folk hero Woody Guthrie’s unfinished words and lyrics.
The track was recorded in Tulsa, Oklahoma (Guthrie’s home state). It starts with fast paced drums, Irish whistles, keyboards, and accordion. Also, there is a walking bass line and an immensely fast strummed acoustic guitar which enhances the catchiness. The familiar shouty vocals of the band, delivered again by Ken Casey are ferocious and instantly recognizable. Current lead vocalist Al Barr has been missing from this release and the first Woody Guthrie inspired album ‘This Machine Still Kills Fascists’ (check this last year release out also, its’s great) to look after his ill mother.
Resonate
‘I Know How It Feels’ lyrics resonate in these current times more than ever. Furthermore, they speak of defending the working class, fighting against social injustice and the abuse of political power.
Dropkick Murphys deserve more success with this release. They arguably first came into the mainstream after having a song of theirs included on Martin Scorsese’s ‘The Departed’ soundtrack back in 2006. That song was ‘I’m Shipping Up To Boston’ and it’s an absolute banger of a track. It stood out on the soundtrack despite being included with cuts from Van Morrison, The Allman Brothers and The Rolling Stones. ‘I’m Shipping Up To Boston’ is the best song on the album, bar none.
You only need to watch the accompanying video to ‘I Know How It Feels’ to see how passionate their following is and how much of a cult band Dropkick Murphys are. Moreover, the footage is from one of the bands live gigs and this writer can only describe it as beautiful musical bedlam.
Overall, this release will unlikely dent a mainstream chart. But, the bands loyal following will no doubt enjoy this delivery and the upcoming album.
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