The Real McKenzies

While the Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly have carved out successful careers flying the punk rock flag with a definite Irish edge, Vancouver's Real McKenzies have flown a bit further under the radar with their Scottish-influenced punk over the course of six albums since 1995. But they're no less worthy of praise, attention or buying drinks for. The hard-partying septet have their usual share of booze-soaked songs ("Kings Of Fife," "Too Many Fingers," "Drink Some More"), but frontman Paul McKenzie's lyrics look to history in the World War I-based "The Lads Who Fought And Won" and a legendarily loyal Scottish dog in "The Ballad Of Greyfriars Bobby." Current world politics are tackled in the album-closing "Culling The Herd." "The Maple Trees Remember," based on "The Maple Leaf Forever," offers a change of pace with its country guitar. And while bagpipes are mocked on "Too Many Fingers," they're prominent in most songs and are a fine complement to the fiery guitars and attitude found throughout the record. Keep the band off the leash and let them run wild.