THE REAL MCKENZIES from Canada released their fantastic and rightly celebrated album “Shine not Burn“ four years ago. Now the successor is on the shelves of record stores. This one is called “Westwinds“.
The previous album “Shine not Burn“ was purely acoustic. In contrast, the new album was intended to be recorded completely electrically amplified. This was the basic idea. However, while recording, the band realized that some songs sounded stronger when played acoustically. The band tested this with almost all songs. The best version of each was included on the album. Thus, “Westwinds“ presents an album that offers electrically amplified songs as well as purely acoustic ones.
The opener “The Tempest“ is purely acoustic and once again showcases how well Paul McKenzie can sing. His voice, rough, with volume and full of emotion, grabs you within the first seconds. After the song, you need to catch your breath.
The second song “Fool´s Road“ is an electrically amplified track. And you can immediately tell that the band hasn’t forgotten what folk-punk means. It’s one of those songs that makes you love the Canadians so much. Fast punk rock, bagpipes, and above it all, Paul’s voice. A song that will turn any club into a dancing crowd.
As you continue listening, acoustic and electrically amplified songs alternate, offering the listener not only more variety but also the best of both worlds, as every song here is truly good. There are no misses to report.
THE REAL MCKENZIES are considered one of the representatives who popularized folk-punk, and they are repeatedly referenced when discussing folk-punk. The fact that this is still entirely true is impressively demonstrated by the combo on “Westwinds“.
The folk-punkers do what they do best and what they are loved for by fans all over the world. Songs full of emotion and power. Whether acoustic or electrically amplified. The band simply knows how to do it. They have been around long enough to know how it works.
Perhaps “Westwinds“ is a bit more contemplative and calmer than the band’s earlier albums, which is surely due to the fact that the guys are not getting any younger, or perhaps also to what the band said about the new album:
…The goal was to release a great collection of songs that would not only make all of us McKenzies proud, but to also make that point that we’re not going anywhere anytime soon.
Here, life experience, age, and the knowledge of finite life create a bridge to music and the touring life.
We can only hope that the Canadians will remain with us for a few more years.
With “Westwinds“, 14 songs are presented that you would expect from the band, although it must be clearly stated that the arrangements are more elaborate and mature than just a few years ago. The band dares to tackle more tranquil pieces.
Those who like THE REAL MCKENZIES will love “Westwinds“, and those who do not yet know the band should definitely give it a listen. I can imagine that this album will become a milestone for the band.
