From the first chords of their 90-minute set to the last, there was scarcely a let-up in the intensity of their playing.

For those who've never heard them, DKM are like a punked-up Pogues - on this performance a very punked-up Pogues.

They blend Celtic folk influences with an uncompromising punk rock delivery imitated by many, but equalled by very few.

Even the recent loss of guitarist Marc Orrell didn't change their dynamic.

Tim Brennan, who usually plays mandolin and banjo, stepped into his shoes, and enthusiastic new boy Jeff DaRosa took over the traditional strings. You could barely notice the join.

The Murphys' latest record, The Meanest Of Times, is their sixth studio release, and they play with a fire in their bellies which is unusual for a band so far into their career.

The record doesn't draw breath until 10 songs in, and the same applied to this show, which was performed at breakneck pace and ear-splitting volume.

Its songs accounted for a good portion of the set, with forthcoming single The State Of Massachusetts, (F)lannigan's Ball and Fairmount Hill - the only slow song of the night - the pick of the new material.

They didn't forget the songs which won them such a loyal following in the first place though: Caught In A Jar produced the best mass pogo of the night, Boys On The Dock was as welcome as ever, and The Gauntlet was magnificent in its pounding fury.

Covering a song and making it sound like their own is one of the Murphys' specialities, and they did it here with old Irish standards Fields Of Athenry and Captain Kelly's Kitchen, and Thin Lizzy's classic Jailbreak.

Frontman Al Barr prowled the stage like a panther as he bellowed out the words to singalong anthems like Barroom Hero, Worker's Song, The Warrior's Code, and Shipping Up To Boston.

DKM have always said their stage belongs to their audience too, and they were true to their word.

Dozens of young ladies were pulled onstage for Kiss Me I'm S***faced, and then it was the guys' turn for traditional closer Skinhead On The MBTA.

To everyone's surprise, that wasn't it though. They had one last song left, a blistering version of Alcohol by legendary Boston hardcore band Gang Green.

It was a great end to a stunning show, and my only small quibble was the slightly dodgy sound, which also marred their last appearance at the same venue a year ago.

It was loud to the point of distortion and my ears were still ringing the next day - though some would say that is the sign of a good gig.

* To watch Dropkick Murphys performing forthcoming single The State Of Massachusetts, which is out on February 11, click here.