Freedom Child

The Dubliners’ transition from Celtic folk-rock to unashamed power pop is complete. “Rain” sets the tone: a glorious, arms-aloft anthem built to conquer summer dance floors and arenas. The trio haven’t gone full David Guetta, mind. Carefully crafted beats and euphoric choruses on tracks including “Written in the Scars” still have the band’s rock DNA pumping through its veins. The band purposely gave <i>Freedom Child</i> a single ballad, and “Arms Open” easily justifies its selection. It’s a heady and open-hearted invitation to belt it out alongside Danny O’Donoghue’s showstopping vocals.