In a saturated musical world, it’s a rare pleasure to find an act as inventive and engaging as Artillery Saints, the musical persona of Aberdeen’s Ally McKenzie. With his forthcoming album Glimpse—set for release in 2025—McKenzie delivers what can only be described as his most accomplished work yet: a captivating blend of avant-pop, cinematic sound design, and brilliantly dark lyricism.
What makes Glimpse remarkable is how deeply personal its genesis feels. After stints in the ‘90s indie group Fly and the electronic experiment Cities People And Parks, McKenzie took a creative hiatus—only to return with fresh purpose after the profound loss of his mother. It was the gleam of an Epiphone guitar, purchased with a modest inheritance and a nod to maternal encouragement, that reignited his artistic fire. Returning to songwriting with honed craft and a wider emotional palette, McKenzie channeled both solitude and inspiration into Artillery Saints.
If the album’s lead track “Control & The Cousins” is any indicator, Glimpse is a record not to be missed. The single is an exhilarating listen, pairing a hypnotic, propulsive bassline with clipped, machine-gun guitars, noir-like synth washes, and a chorus that lingers long after the final note. McKenzie’s lyricism is as sharp as ever; his story of a fictional rock band sneaking through the “back door” of the industry is both comically absurd and uncomfortably true to life. It’s a track that showcases McKenzie’s uncanny ability to balance humour with pathos, making it not just a strong single, but a highlight of his career.
Across eleven tracks, Glimpse offers a thrilling ride through contrasting emotions and styles. The lyric-less opener “High-Rise Sun Tribe” sets a near-classical tone, while “Jelly Legs” fuses sci-fi synths and earthy sax with a restless narrative of parallel universes. Elsewhere, “Beauty Retreat” is a provocative satire that manages to be both musically infectious and politically charged, while “Hick In Suburbia” masks its acerbic revenge fantasy under disarmingly sweet melodic hooks.
Ambient interludes like “House Mother Console” and “Glister” hint at McKenzie’s willingness to push boundaries, foreshadowing even more experimentation in future projects.
Fans of Brian Eno, Roxy Music, Magazine, and Japan will find resonant echoes here, but Artillery Saints stands apart thanks to McKenzie’s knack for blending electronic innovation with literary depth and emotional honesty. Drawing on his background in literature, a love for nature, and an open ear for sonic possibilities, McKenzie crafts music that is as smart as it is enjoyable.
With Glimpse, Artillery Saints sets a new standard for independently-crafted art-pop. It’s an album that rewards repeated listens; every song is layered with wit, invention, and genuine feeling. McKenzie has created something special—music that is both approachable and richly rewarding, perfect for fans of progressive pop and surreal storytelling alike.
If you’re looking for an album that challenges, entertains, and lingers in the mind, Glimpse is a must-listen. Artillery Saints has not only met but exceeded expectations—this is one of the year’s most impressive musical achievements.