Five marked a turning point in the Mackenzie’s musical path, following on from the more polished, radio friendly first two albums released on major labels. Like so much of the band’s material, it still sounds as fresh and relevant three decades on from its first release. But Five has a much harder, rougher edge. The first release on the band’s own label which they set up after splitting with the majors, Blokshok Records, it no doubt reflects troubled times – both professionally and personally. From the catchy but hard-hitting single Hard to the sledgehammer of Bam Bam, raw anger of The Grip or Marilyn Monroe, film-noir inspired Niagara, there is rage and intensity at the heart of this record. Grunge and particularly The Pixies were another obvious influence and Normal Boy, with Shirley Manson’s vocals to the fore, is another highlight. Written at the same time as the Angelfish album there was obviously plenty going on in Mackenzie-land and the rollercoaster that is Five is more than worthy of it's place in Scottish music history. This remastered reissue certainly cements that. The album will be official released in October 2024 with pre-orders shipping in Late September 2024 VINYL TRACK LISTING Hard Bam Bam Grip Jim's Killer Niagara Touch the Bullseye Day of Storms Yelloueze Bugdive Normal Boy Hands of the Receiver Titanic THE CD VERSION CONTAINS 3 EXTRA TRACKS Zoo Louise Mad Cow Disease
