Recorded as an ‘antidote’ to 2011’s concept album, Going Out In Style, the goal for the Murphys was to create something that was as accessible and in-yer-face as possible – which surely sounds exactly like the course they’ve followed throughout their career.
Still, all becomes clear as opener The Boys Are Back erupts into life like a St Patrick’s Day brawl in an Irish pub the size of Boston’s Fenway Park stadium. We’re talking utterly massive gang choruses allied to shamelessly singalong hooks.
Always sharp songwriters, the likes of Rose Tattoo and triumphant closer End Of The Night are particularly fine, though it all comes a bit unstuck with the clunky, ironic Christmas tune The Season’s Upon Us – its strenuously ‘hilarious’ lyrics sound forced and jingling sleigh bells should never feature on any punk album. Ever. This knuckle-biting howler aside, SASIB raises the roof with good vibes and memorable songs.
