Atanaria
Few bands manage to capture the raw energy of Celtic punk like The Rumjacks, and their latest album, Dead Anthems, is no exception. With a unique blend of Irish folk influences and punk rock grit, the Australian-born, now internationally blended group delivers a powerful and emotionally charged collection of tracks.
A Sound That Evolves
Recorded in Asbury Park, New Jersey, Dead Anthems benefits from top-tier production, with Pete Steinkopf of The Bouncing Souls at the helm and Kevin Bivona of The Interrupters handling the mix. The result is an album that stays true to the band’s roots while pushing their sound into new territories.
The opening track, Come Hell or High Water, immediately sets the tone with its anthemic chorus and infectious energy. However, the album does not stick to a single formula. Tracks like Scandal introduce a ska-infused rhythm, while Cold Like This—featuring Ken Casey of Dropkick Murphys—brings a raw punk aggression reminiscent of Boston’s toughest anthems. Inspired by a freezing walk home from a bar, Cold Like This stands out as a defining moment on the album.
For those looking for more traditional Celtic elements, An Irish Goodbye on St. Valentine’s Day and October provide a touch of folk balladry before diving back into the unrelenting energy of Father’s Fight and Road Rash. The album closes on a poignant note with Some Legends Never Die, a tribute to the late Shane MacGowan of The Pogues, celebrating his enduring influence on Celtic punk.
A Vocal Evolution
Mike Rivkees, who took over as lead vocalist in 2020, solidifies his place as the voice of The Rumjacks on Dead Anthems. His vocal range, emotional depth, and ability to switch seamlessly between aggressive punk snarls and melodic Irish folk singing make this album a definitive statement of his tenure with the band.
The Verdict
Dead Anthems is a testament to The Rumjacks’ resilience and evolution. It balances nostalgia with innovation, making it a must-listen for fans of the genre. Whether it’s the riotous energy of They Kick You When You’re Down or the bittersweet storytelling of Pulled from the Shore, the album delivers a powerful punch. This is an album that will resonate not just with longtime fans but also with newcomers looking for a fresh take on Celtic punk.
Catch The Rumjacks Live!
The Rumjacks are hitting the road with an extensive tour across Europe. Here are the upcoming dates:
- 31/01/25 – Retro Club, Scandicci
- 01/02/25 – Arci Tom, Mantova
- 02/02/25 – Legend Club, Milan
- 04/02/25 – Sala Upload, Barcelona
- 05/02/25 – 16 Toneladas, Valencia
- 06/02/25 – Gruta 77, Madrid
- 07/02/25 – Sala Malatesta, Santiago de Compostela
- 08/02/25 – Cerveceria Gong, Oviedo
- 09/02/25 – Zorrotzako Gaztetxe, Bilbao
- 12/02/25 – Patterns, Brighton
- 13/02/25 – The Fleece, Bristol
- 14/02/25 – The Key Club, Leeds
- 15/02/25 – The Cathouse, Glasgow
- 17/02/25 – Gorilla, Manchester
- 18/02/25 – Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
- 19/02/25 – KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton
- 20/02/25 – The Crauford Arms, Milton Keynes
- 21/02/25 – The Underworld, Camden
- 22/02/25 – Papillon, Southampton
- 26/02/25 – Musik Zentrum, Hannover
- 27/02/25 – TRIX, Antwerp
- 28/02/25 – Diff’art, Parthenay
- 01/03/25 – La Gespe, Tarbes
- 04/03/25 – Backstage Club, Munich
- 05/03/25 – Dynamo, Zürich
- 07/03/25 – Flex, Vienna
- 08/03/25 – Lucerna Music Bar, Prague
- 09/03/25 – Klub Proxima, Warsaw
- 10/03/25 – Beatpol, Dresden
- 11/03/25 – Logo, Hamburg
- 13/03/25 – SO36, Berlin
- 14/03/25 – Luxor, Cologne
- 15/03/25 – Le Trianon, Paris
- 16/03/25 – Das Bett, Frankfurt
- 17/03/25 – Melkweg, Amsterdam
If you’re a fan of high-energy, foot-stomping Celtic punk, make sure to catch The Rumjacks on tour. Dead Anthems proves that the band is still at the top of their game, delivering powerful music that will have crowds chanting and dancing all night long.
