The Real McKenzies - Oot and Aboot

While The Real McKenzies are obviously going to draw comparisons to the more popular Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly, the Vancouver-based, kilt-wielding drunks have actually been around longer. Oot and Aboot is their second voyage through Scotland's countryside, released through Fat Wreck's imprint, Honest Don's. It's also surprising that as fun as this band is, it's very rare that I hear anyone mention them. Quite obviously, drinking is a theme that Oot and Aboot covers all too well. Vocalist Paul McKenzie even sounds like he had a few too many prior to recording, but that only adds to the feel-good vibe that the album radiates. "Droppin' Like Flies" is a tribute to punks of past days. The band puts their own style into traditional Scot songs such as "Ye Banks and Braes" and "Heather Bells". Unfortunately, the title track is the album's one weak point, save the unexpected guitar solo. "Jennifer Que" has another sweet guitar solo with a Matt Freeman (Rancid) influenced bassline. The rest of the album is more of the same - fun, hook-filled, drunken punk. If only they'd used the bagpipes more, though. Oot and Aboot is probably the best punk-rock record I've heard this year, despite never coming across any chatter or coverage from any punk news sources about the set. Sadly, The Real McKenzies, as well as other great Honest Don's bands, are often overlooked. Don't bother with the new Dropkick Murphys album, it has nothing on this. [www.honestdons.com]