Paul McKenzie will be singing.
McKenzies are celebrating 25 years of existence, although Paul is the only member who has been there from the beginning. New album Two Devils Will Talk once again brings their idiosyncratic amalgam of classic punk, rock n roll, acoustic, Scottish folk and Scottish tradition. All due respect to all the current and past member of Real McKenzies, Paul is the real captain of this ship. Besides the fact that he is sailing alone around world's clubs, his Magellan aura takes listener on a sonic sea adventures.
Northwest Passage is a masterfully done cover of tragically died singer and poet Stan Rogers. Acapella intro tingles you and after only few seconds you wish you were passing through Northwestern passage and not end up like sir John Franklin. Because of this and several other raw moments, I really hope that Paul will someday release something that is purely acoustic guitar album.
The overall feeling of the album is coastal (similar to that one on Westwinds) and the mood is generally doleful. Sure, McKenzie are still baking jokes, especially on their own account (Fuck The Real McKenzies), but is also seems like Paul is becoming more soft and self-critical
I should've guessedIt'd be a little bit like thisEmpty wallet, empty bottle, empty timeNever took the time to thinkWhere I'd be getting my next drinkThe highway sings the same lullaby
With The Town, he even scratches the death
When reunions turn to chats around the coffinHow are we supposed to carry onI come back home stewing with questions againMy way to deal is booze and a penThe ink it shakes so lightly on the page
Classic punk spreads throughout the whole album and it resembles many bands, but McKenzies still have their special flavour. Weyburn, One Day and The Comeback are examples of crazy guitars and hasty tempo. Overall, things are significantly toned down in comparison to Rats in the Burlap. As vocal softens, melody takes over. Dessert at the end is unofficial Scottish anthem Scotts Wa ha'e that can also be found on their 1995 debut.
After two decades, ten albums, bunch of tours and frenetic concerts, The Real McKenzies are still standing. Oh, captain! Congratulations for consistent cruise.
