DS Album Review: The Real McKenzies – Paul McKenzie Sings On Yer Bike

For decades Canada’s premier Scotch punk pioneers The Real McKenzies have brought their brand of Celtic inspired rowdy rock ’n’ roll to the world. The whiskey soaked wit and wisdom of singer Paul McKenzie has been served with tongue planted firmly in cheek since 1992. Now, with the release of their 13th studio album, and first since the sale of their longtime home Fat Wreck Chords, the McKenzies are back and as irreverent as ever.

Paul McKenzie Sings On Yer Bike is a blistering collection of 13 brand new tracks that will keep your toe tapping and head banging for the duration of its 31 minute runtime. The production on this thing is impeccable. Each instrument punches through with clarity and perfect balance. The thumping bass, pummeling drums and razor-sharp guitars blaze through with ease and precision as Paul tells tales of triumph and tragedy in his unmistakable grizzled croon. 

Musicianship aside, what really sets the McKenzie’s apart from many of their peers is their aversion to taking anything too seriously. Mixed in with the traditional Scottish tunes, sea faring punk shanties, and a trilogy of tunes centered around the cannibalistic Sawney Bean clan of highland legend are bits of silliness and satire that strike at the heart of this punk rock institution. Where else will you get songs extolling the virtues of reading (“Read A Book”), the epicurean supremacy of tinned fish (“I Wanna Eat Sardines With Yer Mother”), loving odes to black sheep (“Fiona”), and the woes of age inducing epidermal discoloration (“Liver Spot”)? 

Along with the expansive lyrical palate, there is plenty of variation in the instrumentation as well. Aside from the standard rock configuration, you’ll find bagpipes, saxophones, steel guitars and all sorts of ear candy to tickle your aural pleasure centers. For a band more than three decades into their career, The Real McKenzies have proven once again that they are just as vital, energetic and entertaining as ever. Paul McKenzie Sings On Yer Bike is out now via Stomp Records, and I highly recommend picking up a copy immediately!