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3
TUESDAY
With its Olde English lettering proclaiming the title Do or Die and the cover photo of a bunch of fat building demolitioneers standing around on lunch break, it’s obvious what Dropkick Murphys’ debut LP sounds like: the Clash, the Pogues, Sham 69, and Stiff Little Fingers, to name a few. But what the band lacks in surprise it makes up for in earnest energy; Dropkick Murphys make rollicking pub punk with sing-along choruses about pals, brews, fallen comrades, and working-class values. The band’s Irish roots surface on its stomping versions of “Cadence to Arms” and “Finnegan’s Wake,” while a couplet from “Never Alone” succinctly sums up the members’ simple philosophy: “Don’t need a gang to watch my ass/Just loyal friendship and a pint of Bass.” Buy the Dropkickers a round after they open for the Business. With No Sense at All and Undermind at 7 p.m. at the Capitol Ballroom, 1015 Half St. NW. $10. (202) 554-1500. (CP)