Spencer Mackenzie: Empty Chairs Review

Spencer Mackenzie has already built a reputation that many blues-rock artists spend decades chasing. On Empty Chairs, his latest release, the Canadian guitarist leans into a gritty, introspective direction without sacrificing the firepower that has defined his live shows. The result is a focused and self-assured record, balancing clever songwriting with muscular musicianship.

Hailing from Southern Ontario, Mackenzie has steadily carved out his place in the contemporary blues scene, earning a JUNO nomination and a Maple Blues Award along the way. A left-handed guitarist with a commanding stage presence, he has shared bills with heavyweights like Walter Trout, Samantha Fish, and Joe Bonamassa, the latter being a comparison that has followed him since early festival appearances. Yet Mackenzie is no mere imitator. His phrasing is fluid, his tone meaty, and his voice carries a grainy maturity that immediately commands attention. On this album, produced by Ross Hayes Citrullo of The Commoners, that identity feels more defined than ever.

The title track, “Empty Chairs,” opens the record with authority. A mid-paced blues rocker, it pairs booming, expressive vocals with finely sculpted lead guitar lines that cut through the mix. It also immediately highlights the production quality of the record. Clean yet punchy, the production allows the rhythm section to breathe while giving Mackenzie’s guitar plenty of bite.

“What You Do” follows as one of the album’s most immediate highlights. Driven by lavish organ textures and a sharp, biting riff, it brims with urgency. There is a tension in the performance that mirrors the song’s lyrical theme of emotional pretense, and the band locks in tightly around Mackenzie’s impassioned delivery.

“Don’t Know Where I’m Going” and “Frozen Hearts” continue the upward momentum. Both tracks showcase Mackenzie’s knack for memorable hooks anchored by confident guitar work. They are accessible without feeling formulaic, reinforcing his ability to bridge traditional blues sensibilities with modern blues rock dynamics.

“Shoot Me Down” adds a darker shade, with slightly fuzzy guitars and haunting vocals that linger. The tasteful slide work injects extra character and deepens the atmosphere. Closing track “Evil” brings things full circle with another punchy rocker, leaving the listener on an energetic high.

Overall, Empty Chairs is a strong, cohesive statement. It does not reinvent the genre, but it executes its vision with conviction and polish. With sharp songwriting, commanding performances, and production that hits hard without losing clarity, it stands as further proof that Spencer Mackenzie is one of the most compelling voices in today’s blues rock.

The Review: 8/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– What You Do
– Don’t Know Where I’m Going
– Frozen Hearts
– Shoot Me Down
– Evil
– Empty Chairs

The Big Hit

– Empty Chairs