Mad Painter brings the grand gestures and muscular melodies of classic British rock roaring back to life on Island Poetry, an album that celebrates the drama, grit, and adventurous spirit of the 1970s without getting trapped in a nostalgia loop. Led by vocalist, keyboardist, and songwriter Alex Gitlin, the Boston-based band embraces a sound where roaring Hammond organ, vibrating guitars, pounding drums, and rich vocal harmonies collide with theatrical flair. It’s rock music with its sleeves rolled up and its ambitions set sky-high.
“Debt Collector,” the album’s opening track, gets things moving with a feisty, bounding energy. Sharp, sparkling cymbals cut through the mix as the drums push forward, while vibrating guitars add layers of restless electricity. The different sounds tumble together into a lively, full-bodied arrangement, giving the track plenty of momentum. At the center of it all, Gitlin’s thick, commanding voice brings an engaging presence, delivering the song with a rough-edged confidence that suits the band’s hard-rocking attitude.
By the time “Circle of Hands” arrives at track twelve, the mood turns darker and more immersive. Gritty guitars establish a brooding atmosphere, creating space for the vocals to soar. The performance grows increasingly impassioned, with Gitlin belting out his lines in a soulful, echoing style while wailing harmonies rise around him. The contrast between the song’s weighty instrumental backdrop and its expansive vocal moments gives it a powerful dramatic pull.
Mad Painter’s musical DNA brings to mind Deep Purple and Uriah Heep, with shades of Spooky Tooth, Atomic Rooster, The Move, Mott the Hoople, and early Queen adding further color. Hammond organ remains a commanding force, not merely decoration. Ultimately, Island Poetry is a hearty celebration of classic-rock craftsmanship, delivering big riffs, memorable melodies, and the kind of expressive musicianship that rewards listeners who still love an album with real personality.
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Review by: Naomi Joan