The Real McKenzies, from Vancouver, BC, ventured into Seattle for a hell raising show at El Corazon. After some rebel rousing from four opening acts, the Real McKenzies, all wearing green plaid kilts, hit the stage sans their lead singer, Paul McKenzie. They led the audience in several chants for, “Paul! Paul! Paul!” to no avail. The front man was still a no show. So the whole band left the stage and the anticipation grew as minute after minute passed. At long last the band returned this time with their front man (his excuse was he was sitting at the bar drinking). A drink never left his hand the entire show, yet the entire band put on a fine performance.
The show began with their song Chips, but at times Paul’s vocals weren’t turned up enough and were drowned out by the instruments. Then at times he rang forth beautifully. This is a lively band. Often Paul would flip up his kilt revealing he didn’t wear underwear. When he stopped to talk with the audience he mentioned the Scottish independence vote coming and to give our support to Scotland (Paul McKenzie hails from Scotland and speaks with a full Scottish accent). Scotland needs everyone’s support “even from Americans.”
Other songs included Best Day Until Tomorrow and the finale, Bugger Off, at which point I was repeatedly crushed against the stage to the point I was sure my legs would be chopped off. The encore consisted of just Paul coming out singing a traditional Scottish anthem a capella, but not before hecame back on stage, turned his back to the crowd, flipped up his kilt and mooned everyone, much to raucous applause.
The club was only about half full, but those in attendance were avid admirers of the Real McKenzies, handing the band cans of beer or drinks in a cup or glass, and sang along to many of the songs. The Real McKenzies are, the aforementioned Paul McKenzie on vocals, Mark Boland on guitar, Mario Nieva on guitar, Troy Zak on bass and Jesse Pinner on drums. And lest I forget the rowdy bag piper Aspy Luison.
Playing before the McKenzies was a Seattle Celtic punk band called Bog Hoppers. Oh wow! These guys almost stole the whole night. This band consists of Meehgan on fiddle, TJ, on electric mandolin/banjo who also trades off on vocal duties, Cormac on guitar and vocals, Sam on bass and vocals and Kevin on drums. This is a fun band to watch. I didn’t know which member to watch at any given time because they were all made of boundless energy. TJ wore his hair in spikes sticking up from a black bandana making him look like a Chia pet, but this only added to the band’s intrigue. This band is Celtic punk to the max. They even all wore rubber wading boots and did a raucous version of Flogging Molly’s Devil’s Dance Floor. Cormac sounds like he gargles with gravel. His voice is rough as punk should be. Bog Hoppers are worth checking out if you’re a fan of Celtic punk.
Before Bog Hoppers was another Seattle band, Lucky Boys. I’d seen them before and liked what I saw. They didn’t disappoint. These guys have been around just a couple years, but perform with the energy and professionalism of many more seasoned bands. Singer Kimi Cutthroat is amazing in how she riles the crowd. She’s all over the stage, leaning into the audience often, tantalizing them. They are nothing short of amazing. The rest of Lucky Boys are, Scottie “Hot Pants” Kellogg on guitar, Jak Bruce on bass, and Smokin’ Dave Brooks on drums.
Another Seattle band, Dying Off, preceded Lucky Boys. Dying Off is pure punk. They totally blew the roof off the place. Seriously, I had to scan the walls, ceiling and floor after their set to see if they blew any holes through.
And opening the entire night was Coyote Bred, a trio from Seattle. This is a young band. I doubt any members are 30, but they’re a tight little unit. They’re pretty new to the scene and fledgling, but they did a great job warming the few people who came early enough to see their set.
All photos by Holly Homan, all rights reserved.
