By David O’Neill
Spencer Mackenzie storms back with ‘Empty Chairs’, a blistering blues-rock powerhouse that fuses raw tradition with modern fire. Produced by JUNO-nominated maestro Ross Hayes Citrullo (guitarist with fellow Canadians The Commoners), this left-handed guitar slinger’s latest channels the grit of blues legends while injecting the bold energy of today’s heavy hitters. From electrifying riffs and soaring organ swells to an explosive rhythm section, every track pulses with live-wire immediacy, as if captured mid-gig.
Lead single ‘What You Do’ kicks things off with urgency, dissecting the masks we wear in relationships through punchy rhythms and searing solos that linger like a late-night confession. ‘Shoot Me Down’ dives deeper into one-sided love’s swampy despair, its slide guitar dripping frustration and hope in equal measure.
His interpretation of Rory Gallagher’s ‘Don’t Know Where I’m Going’ ramps up the heat with gritty tone and hard-hitting drive, honouring blues roots via a rock lens. Then there’s ‘Frozen Hearts’, a poignant nod to Canada’s residential school atrocities – lyrics heavy with social conscience, delivered in Mackenzie’s rough-edged tenor that fits like a well-worn leather.
Mackenzie’s fearless playing and open-throated vocals breathe authenticity; Citrullo nails the “honesty and fire” vibe, making this feel timeless yet biting. No filler here – just ten tracks of soul-stirring muscle.
Blues fans, grab this before the chairs at his gigs fill up.
- ‘Empty Chairs‘ is released today (Friday 20 February).
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