Going back 23 years, Vancouver underground bands have always had a funnier sense of humor, and a penchant for making fun of themselves (while making really hot music) than any other scene. It's good to see the tradition, which goes back to the screw-off side-bands like Rude Norton and Sgt. Nick Penis Band, is extended via this amusing sextet (
D.O.A.'s Joey Keithley's latest find for his Sudden Death label). The title of
the Real McKenzies' second LP is apt: the group wears kilts and tam-o'-shanters on-stage (ladies, here's some leg action for you). Further, their records alternate between zippy, high-adrenaline, tight rock & roll punk such as "Stone of Kings," "Pagan Holiday," and "Celion" ("will ye ceilidh with me," ha ha), to a modernization of traditional Scottish folk as on "Mainland" -- and a rough mid-point with gruff singing such as "King O' Glasgow" (pronounced "Glass-gee," of course!). Sure there's bagpipes and an accordion. What did you think? There's always room for a good band that doesn't take itself too seriously and has a good gimmick. Lots o' fun, for lads and lasses. ~ Jack Rabid