Artillery Saints’ “Glimpse” Promises Twisted Pop Perfection for Your Next Playlist
Ally McKenzie, the mind behind Artillery Saints, knows a thing or two about reinvention. After early acclaim in the Scottish indie and electronic underground, McKenzie stepped back—only to find his musical voice again on the other side of lockdown, spurred by a glinting Epiphone guitar and cherished memories of his late mother. The result is Glimpse, due in 2025: an album that is rich, playful, and brimming with sounds and stories you didn’t know your playlist was missing.
What immediately jumps out from this new chapter is McKenzie’s ability to blend sardonic observations with irresistible pop sensibilities. The lead single, “Control & The Cousins,” does it perfectly—unfolding the tale of an imaginary band’s backdoor grind through the music industry atop taut bass, jagged guitars, and unsettlingly catchy choruses. It’s a track that manages to be clever and relatable, moody and energizing all at once—a combination destined for repeat spins.
Glimpse isn’t content to stay in one lane. Throughout the album, McKenzie folds in electronic textures, sly references from jazz to classical, and a distinct cinematic atmosphere. Quirky, narrative-driven songs sit beside instrumentals that evoke whole worlds—with every passage revealing a knack for detail honed through years of literature studies and a lifelong love of film and art. Even where the lyrics wade into satire or black comedy, the emotional pull remains sincere and immediate.
There’s something refreshing about the way Artillery Saints refuses to simply chase trends, drawing instead from the likes of Roxy Music and Brian Eno while crafting a sound unmistakably his own. Underpinned by smart, occasionally surreal lyrics and a clear affection for quirky hooks, these songs are fun, thought-provoking, and always sonically rewarding. For listeners who love a playlist that feels alive with discovery—something you can dance to, think about, and share with friends—Glimpse delivers.
As the album’s release draws closer, don’t be surprised if Artillery Saints starts popping up in the playlists of music lovers hungry for fresh, intelligent pop with an edge. McKenzie’s journey from heartfelt rebirth to bold sonic experimentation is the kind of story, and the kind of sound, that keeps you coming back for more. This is smart, addictive pop—ready for your next playlist refresh.
