While some of these guys have moved away, here is a band that spreads Boston punk to the masses around the world singing anthems of family, friends, and justice. There's no bagpipe or fiddles to be heard in the Street Dogs, yet diehard Dropkick fans will recognize singer Mike McColgan from the early "Do or Die" era of the Dropkick Murphys.

The Street Dogs released their fourth CD last week, which will serve as a perfect introduction to newcomers and also delight fans. It's straight-up rock 'n roll that makes you jump around and raises your pulse as you raise your beers.

It may have been a while since you've heard an honest-to-goodness rock CD that you can listen to all the way through whether hanging at a cookout or traveling around with headphones. "State of Grace" hits close to full-throttle through most of the CD but eases up a couple times to let you catch your breath.

Songs pay tribute to growing up in Boston (wonderfully catchy "Two Angry Kids") and departed family members ("Kevin J. O'Toole", "Elizabeth") as well as Joe Strummer of The Clash on "The General's Boombox." These alternate with calls to arms such as "Rebel Song" or slices of history like "San Patricios" about men who follow their conscience during wartime.

Guitars roar and soar on top of the muscular rhythm section. There's no affect in the strong delivery from top Dog Mike McColgan. The Dorchester native sings with sincerity and experience from serving in the First Gulf War to co-founding The Dropkick Murphys then leaving to become a Boston firefighter. This is a man who won't hesitate to live in the present.

After the jump: Find out what happened with the Dropkick Murphys, what song he'd like to be played at his funeral, and more.

On other occasions, McColgan has mentioned there was no bad blood when he left The Dropkicks, but Bostonist tried to press him a bit on it. "There was surprise and shock. The guys were supportive, although it was a difficut time -- a strenuous time. They've been very supportive and there's a lot of mutual respect between the bands."

"Kevin J. O'Toole" on the new CD is about McColgan's uncle, who passed away last year and was his inspiration to join the fire department. "I realized my dream to be a firefighter and did it for 4 years -- then, y'know, I got swept back into the music."

When Mike returned to the music scene many fans might have tried to compare the two bands. One can hear the Boston vibe in Street Dogs that has a distinct voice. "I'm amazed, excited, and grateful for what we have so far. We've already exceeded our modest low expectations for ourselves." Asked about his future plans, "I don't project too far ahead. I'm [devoted] 100% to the Street Dogs and take it one day at a time."

In addition to the musical eulogy to his uncle, the record features other family-inspired songs. McColgan's grandmother was the inspiration behind the gentle "Elizabeth." Bostonist remarked about our mutual admiration for Joe Strummer as "The General's Boombox" speaks about the enduring power of Strummer's music who McColgan called "a great songwriter and a salt of the earth guy." With all the songs about those have passed, we asked what song he'd like to have played at his funeral. "I've never thought about it before! I guess 'Redemption Song' by Bob Marley."

Bostonist also asked if he'll check out McGreevy's (co-owned Ken Casey of DKM) when the tour gets to Boston. "If I'm down in that area, I will definitely check it out. Ken is a hard worker and a great guy who helps out a lot of people. He's a real sports guy -- not a bandwagon guy at all." (Other local spots to get to included Spike's Junkyard Dogs and a couple eateries in Savin Hill: McKenna's and Donovan's.)

The Street Dogs will be on the main stage at the Warped Tour when it rolls into Great Woods Tweeter Center Comcast Center on July 23. Expect some local headlining shows in September as well.

Images from the Street Dogs website.