Mac Blackout, a.k.a Chicagoan Mark McKenzie has been on the fringes of the Chicago music scene for two decades now, whether blasting brains in scuzz-punk bands The Functional Blackouts & Daily Void or as wild-eyed frontman for glam-punks Mickey.

While his solo recordings as Mac Blackout have traditionally followed along the same path of KBD-infused, sci-fi punk rock, his new instrumental solo album (and first for Trouble In Mind), "Love Profess" offers listeners a new side.

From the opening exultation of "Wandering Spheres", longtime fans know they're in for something completely different; a rapturous wave of saxophone blasting forth gives way to a pensive electronic pulse and a tinkling of synthesized bells.

"Forever" and "Call For Love" tick and drone like something off of Suicide's second album, the former's sweet melody & electric handclaps peppered with melancholy, while the latter's slinky rhythm makes you move.

"Magic Hour 2020"s meditative drone closes out Side A, setting up Side B opener "The Virus"; an aural odyssey that transports the listener to "Revolutionary Tide"s righteous shuffle, with Blackout's sax blasting out like a call to arms.

The album's title cut come near the end of Side B, with it's metronomic pulse and synth washes acting as a soothing balm, while the tender ballad "Dear Mom" closes us out.

Blackout says "2020 has been unlike any time in history. With these hard times comes great emotion, reflection, and realization.

This album is an instrumental reflection and chronological portrait of the period in which it was created, January through July 2020.

I hope you find solace, artistic friendship, inspiration, rejuvenation and the power to make positive change through this work of art for years to come." Indeed the entire album feels very much like an offering, with its tender & open expressions & reflections allowing a palpable passion to creep through.

We can only hope it can guide us to a better tomorrow.