Photo Credits – Jen Squires / Artwork Credit – Natasha Macdonald
The news here is that Spencer MacKenzie released his new album “Empty Chairs” on February 20. It is my review choice for the day! People do ask me how I choose review material from everything sent in and I describe it as a musical buffet! I browse down the available menu and then choose to have a dip, sometimes it is surprising what you bite into!
I will turn to the press release then deliver my review!
“JUNO nominated and Maple Blues Award winner Spencer Mackenzie returns with his new album, Empty Chairs released by Gypsy Soul Records.
Spencer’s passion for the genre deepens as he explores the works of blues legends while simultaneously being influenced by the bold energy of renowned present-day blues rockers in this highly anticipated new album. This fusion of styles along with Spencer’s unique sound in his new upcoming album Empty Chairs embodies this gritty, introspective style with electrifying guitar, punchy riffs, soaring organ, dynamic vocals, and an explosive rhythm section.”
My Review:
The album has 11 songs and runs to just under 43 minutes.
“Empty Chairs” (4:29) Opens the album with a heavy bluesy track, solid beat and some nice harmony backing vocals that lift the lead vocal higher. It’s an easy song to like and it would lean toward radio appeal – breakfast radio I would suggest as it’s more of a wake-up and get into the day song. It’s a track that is made for live performance and I’m sure it will storm the gates live.
“Trip” (3:25) Has a good guitar riff, and the drums work well to deliver a strong beat. It celebrates heading off on a trip – and why not?! I could do with heading off somewhere myself! It is in the lane for Spencer MacKenzie, a comfortable blues/rock number.
“What You Do” (4:28) was the earlier single released back in September 2025, so many of you will know it. It is a commercial blues rocker, full of positive vibes and having a bit of fun. I liked the harmony in the backing vocals again, used really effectively and the guitar sound works well throughout.
“Don’t Know Where I’m Going” (3:11) – drops into a neat chorus and the keyboards sparkle around under the vocals and guitar. There is a late break section that strips to a vocal chant – I’m sure that works great live. “Walking down that long road, Smile up on my face. Broken-hearted, But you won’t see a trace….”
“Till I Get to You” (3:57). This song changes direction a bit, suitable for a song about the end of the day, long drives and a stressed out day. It is a song looking forward to returning home to the one you love, we sing our blues! The song is more stripped back and intimate. It works.
“Frozen Hearts” (4:09) opens up with a strong riff, it is a mid-album and it fits into the album as a bridge between the contemplative previous track and what is to come. The guitar break I liked and it’s fine.
“Helping Hands” (3:18) looks back toward those earlier blues men in sound and the vocals here are well delivered. It’s one of the shorter tracks and the little hooks deliver. It struts along with charm, though it’s a track I’d nod along to rather than remember tomorrow.
“Why” (3:58) is powered along by bluesy lyrics and vocal delivery. The song is a decent mid-album track, rolls along smoothly, but it’s more background soundtrack than showstopper — enjoyable enough, but not a highlight., backing harmonies get a thumbs up.
Shoot Me Down” (4:08) brings a bit of Southern style to the blues, the drums do a great job providing the heartbeat, and the song is a strong one to bring in the home run at the end of the album. It’s kind of an anti-love song as you decide to get rid of the one who is wasting your time!
“Won’t Find Her” (3:18) – is a strong track, great beat and confident vocals. It has an energy to it and fuses rock into the sound just great. I liked it.
“Evil” (3:57) closes things down in style. It has that warning about the one you should stay away from. The evil one! I’d advise to stay away as well too, but we don’t always listen lol.
In summary, “Empty Chairs” won’t leave many of them empty for long — this is blues rock built for stages, road miles and turning the volume up just a little higher than you probably should.
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PRODUCTION & WRITING CREDITS
All songs written by Spencer Mackenzie and Co-Writer Richard Mackenzie on tracks 1,2,6,11
You can stream music from Spencer MacKenzie here
By Stevie Ritson
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