Originally published in Verbicide issue #4

Kilt-wearing, bagpipe-toting punks of Ireland, beware: you’ve got company from your neighboring Scots. The Real McKenzies are a septuplet featuring penny whistles, mandolins, two bagpipers, and a wealth of Scottish pride. Loch’d & Loaded contains 16 short tracks that are over almost too quickly — you get just enough time to raise your beer mug and sing along in your best Scottish-accent imitation to songs such as “Scots ’Round The World,” “Flowers of Scotland,” “Nessie,” and “Donald Where’s Yer Troosers?” I hate to compare The Real McKenzies to the likes of Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly — because all three bands have unique sounds — but if you are a fan of bands from or drawing influences from the British Isles, you will love The Real McKenzies. And remember…if it’s not Scottish, it’s crap!

(Honest Don’s, PO Box 192027, San Francisco, CA 94119)