This article was automatically translated by AI.
On one wall hangs the record “10,000 Shots“ by The Real McKenzies. Some time ago, the band must have been there again, and the 10,000 became 100,000. Or was it a million? How many shots have surely flowed down the throat of Paul McKenzie? After all, he is the only band member who has been there from the beginning.
It is not presumptuous to say that Paul McKenzie is The Real McKenzies!
And that for 25 years.
The band has been significantly rejuvenated in recent years. Now the experienced bard travels the world with his kids to bring their version of Celtic punk rock closer to everyone who wants to hear it. This version has not been entirely uncontroversial among fans in recent years. Too fast, too much punk rock, too little folk, and anyway, why were the old band members separated?
So I listened with mixed feelings to the new album of the band from Canada.
If someone had played the album for me without any information, I would have thought it was a lost album from the band from a few years ago.
“Two Devils will talk“ has everything that makes The Real McKenzies what they are.
Melodic punk rock, wrapped in driving melodies that encourage singing, dancing, and being happy. The still powerful and distinctive voice of singer Paul is perfectly embedded in the songs. The folk influence is not heard in every song, but with the opener “Due West“ there is a vocal contribution from the band that is impressive. It is for such songs that the band is loved.
The song “One Day“ is another hit. Typical The Real McKenzies. Wonderful!
“Seafarers“, featuring Paul’s vocals and beautiful bagpipe use, is another song that is very typical for the band.
The beginning of “Northwest Passage“ starts like “Due West“ with a vocal part. Here you can hear that not only Paul can sing well. Singing is something that Paul has always been able to do. His voice, when it has space and room, has something magical. I still remember the last concert of the band at S.O. 36, when for the last encore only Paul came on stage, the lights went out, he was illuminated a bit from above, and then he began to sing. Strongly, with full fervor. That was pure goosebumps! The whole hall fell silent. It was a very special moment!
However, the album also offers some punk rock songs that have almost completely parted ways with the folk influence. But that’s okay, quite the opposite. It brings variety to the album. This variety, along with a return to the band’s old strengths, makes the album the best album from the Canadians in years.
I would say, the best album since “Westwinds“.
As a special treat, there is also a newly recorded version of the hit “Scots Wha Ha´e“ on the record. By now, everyone agrees...
Great album!
Soon the band will be on an extensive European tour.
The tour dates can be found on the band’s homepage or Facebook page.
