Scottish-Canadian Punk Sonic Blast
R. Wright | 09/21/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've been listening to the Real McKenzies since their album Loch'd & Loaded. Unlike the blue collar irish punk of the Dropkick Murphies, The Real McKenzies are scottish through and through. Robbie Burns ,the great bard himself, often serves as muse to this band of hard rocking and hard drinkin kilt wearing fun lovin punk rockers.
It isn't often that one can say wow, theyis band isn't stuck in rut at all ,they keep growing, and the Real Mckenzies are one of the few bands to do that. Over their last twa albums, Off the Leash and 10,000 Shots, thy have showed remarkable depth and craftsmanship in their work. They have maintained their energy and do not sacrifice any of the their greatness.
The entire album is listenable but I found the following tracks to be particularly good:
Chip- A boatwrtight sells his soul to the devil, excellent piping makes this song
Culling the Herd-a cynical political tune that resonates with the war on terror
The Maple Trees Remember- Great gentle tune aboot the coming of the Sassenach(English) tae Canada
Drink Some More_ a fun drinking song, a Real McKenzie tradition.
Not many bands can say that they keep growing as artists over the years, the Real McKenzies show you can do that withoot losing sight of the what made them fun to listen to in the first place."