Artillery Saints Unveil ‘Glimpse’: Inventive Pop Vision from Ally McKenzie

When it comes to pushing the boundaries of pop music, Scottish artist Ally McKenzie—aka Artillery Saints—delivers with ambitious flair. Set for release in 2025, Glimpse is a striking new chapter, revealing McKenzie as a masterful storyteller and innovator with each beat and lyric.

The album’s origins are notably heartfelt. After years away from the scene, it was the sight of a shining Epiphone guitar—funded by a small inheritance from McKenzie’s late mother—that reignited his creative spark. This new wave of inspiration led McKenzie to embrace a home-studio setup, fusing bass, synths, and Ableton Live into an immersive musical world.

“Control & The Cousins,” the album’s lead single, demonstrates McKenzie’s knack for twisted pop and surreal lyricism. Built on hypnotic bass, sharp guitar lines, and moody synths, the song takes listeners on a sardonic romp through the trials of a fictitious rock band—equal parts clever, catchy, and darkly comic.

Across its eleven tracks, Glimpse is never short on surprises. From the cinematic, lyric-less opener “High-Rise Sun Tribe,” to the sci-fi jazz of “Jelly Legs” and the biting satire of “Beauty Retreat,” McKenzie merges futuristic electronics with organic instrumentals and sly social commentary. Ambient gems like “House Mother Console” and “Glister” cap off the record, hinting at even more eclectic horizons ahead.

Drawing inspiration from Roxy Music, Brian Eno, and John Foxx, but filtered through his own unique lens, Artillery Saints’ new album is both a technical achievement and an artistic statement. Full of emotion, wit, and fresh sonic ideas, Glimpse announces Ally McKenzie as a singular voice in contemporary pop—a must-listen for adventurous ears.