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Before Paul Mc Kenzie's band took the stage, we first got to hear some fine saloon country from RUNAWAY BRIDE. A country band consisting entirely of women, offering not only guitar and drums but also a violinist, a banjo player, and a double bassist. The girls played a solid set that transported you to a Wild West saloon. You could almost feel the firewater on the counter. The lyrics, sometimes melancholic and sometimes humorous, fascinated not only fans but the entire club. People listened attentively, clapped, and cheered after each song, just as one would do in a saloon after the third firewater. The band was a new discovery for me that was truly worth it. And then there was that beautiful song with the chorus “You only like me when you’re drunk, that’s the reason why you suck.” Was that prearranged with the bar? Or was it a hidden warning about the morning after when everyone has to get up early for work again? No one seemed to notice anything. Glasses and bottles continued to fly over the counter of the Clash at a rapid pace.
After a short break for setup, everyone was curious about what the Canadians would show today.
The flyer announced a “Special Set with more Folk Tunes.” And that’s exactly what we got, at least at the beginning. The band took the stage without a drummer and bagpiper. Singer Paul began to sing, and the band accompanied him acoustically. It was something special. Paul sang very emotionally. You could really feel the lyrics. In the now not only full but also very warm Clash, people stood and enjoyed the minutes as the band presented their songs in this unusual way. After a few songs, the band then swapped their instruments for the electrically amplified ones. The drummer and bagpiper took the stage. From that point on, different strings were pulled.
It was THE REAL MC KENZIES as you know them and love them. Fast, with a strong Scottish folk influence, melodic. Simply captivating. It was what everyone had been waiting for. The pogo broke out. It got crowded and very hot in front of the stage. The atmosphere rose, and every song was celebrated. Overall, the vibe wasn’t quite as good as in August 2008 at S.O. 36, but for a Sunday, the atmosphere was really great. The Canadians were giving it their all. They played songs from the current album, including “Chip” and the live fantastic “Drink some more,” which in my opinion is one of the best albums of the band. THE REAL MC KENZIES know how to combine exhilarating punk rock with Scottish folk like no other band. Singer Paul gives each song a unique character with his voice.
After 90 hot, sweaty, and fantastic minutes, the band ended their set. Everyone in the Clash was satisfied, having received exactly what they love about the band.
Live, THE REAL MC KENZIES are one of the best bands I know.
Nothing can surpass this band anytime soon.
Frank