What do you get if you cross early 70’s psychedelia with glam- spattered rock and roll from the likes of Mott The Hoople and The Faces and a classic 1970’s heavy rock sound? The answer is simply Mad Painter.

I have reviewed singles from Mad Painter in the past and was eager to hear what an album from this great band could offer, and I wasn’t disappointed. But, before I get into the actual review of the album, let me tell you a bit about the band themselves.

Mad Painter are a new band from Boston who have their roots firmly in the melodic rock traditions of the 1970’s and they cross early 70’s psychedelia with glam- spattered rock and roll from the likes of Mott The Hoople and The Faces and a classic 1970’s heavy rock sound to create a sound all of their own.

Splashed is their latest album and was released on 15/03/2023.

Being a multi-genre band and one that blurs the lines between genres, the listener is never sure where he is going to be taken with this album. Each track is completely different to the next, and the album jumps from one genre to the next at the drop of a hat. The two things that are consistent throughout the album are the progressive nature of the music and the psychedelic feel the album gives off. Both of these combined means there is always something for the listener to be engaged with and one play through really is not enough to hear all what this band and this album have to offer.

Heavy guitars are prevalent throughout the album as are pounding drums and funky bass lines but it’s the use of keyboards/synths and other instruments, such as cowbell and trumpets, that really gives this album its unique sound. Distortion throughout the album really adds to the psychedelic and progressive feel of the album and classic rock influences also make an appearance with the likes of the guitar solos.

Once again, the vocals are quirky but still very powerful and mesmerising, and on the slower ballads also very emotional. The female back up vocals are a great contrast to the male leads but the two work in complete unison together and compliment each other perfectly.

This album really does take the listener on a nostalgic journey back to the 70’s, crossing over many genres along the way, but it also maintains a modern twist that keeps the music fresh.  And with seventeen tracks to listen to, this album will keep you amused for well over an hour!

A great album that will have a wide appeal to a lot of listeners. Please check the music and the band out!

Track Listing:

1 Illusion

2 Parting Line

3 River

4 Stealin’

5 Highway Driver

6 Rock And Roll Samurai

7 Lie To Me

8 I’ve Been A Fool

9 Jacques

10 Let Him Go

11 A Friend In France

12 I Don’t Know

13 San Michel

14 The Moon

15 Love Is Gold

16 You nearly Stole My Heart Away

17 I Live For Love

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum