Album Review : Mad Painter “Island Poetry”
From the
very first listen to Island Poetry, I was genuinely surprised. In fact,
for a few moments, I thought I had downloaded the wrong album. The reason? Mad
Painter have managed to recreate the spirit of the 1970s so convincingly that
you instantly feel transported half a century back in time. The sound, the
performances, the songwriting, the production, and above all the musicianship
all breathe the atmosphere of classic rock’s golden era.
Another
detail that immediately caught my attention is the album’s format itself.
Twelve tracks and a running time that comes close to an hour; a standard that
was common in the 70s but has become increasingly rare today. While I would
have personally preferred a more retro-inspired artwork to fully match the
musical content, that remains a matter of artistic choice. What truly matters
is the music, and there is plenty to unpack here.
The album
opens with “Debt Collector”, a classic blues-rock number driven by rich
Hammond organ textures and excellent backing vocals. The singer immediately
reminds me of David Coverdale, and that is a compliment of the highest order.
Midway through the track, the Deep Purple-inspired organ solo appears and
instantly sends us fifty years into the past. The guitar solo that follows is
dirty, bluesy, and perfectly measured. No unnecessary technical showmanship —
just pure feeling.
“Empty
Bottles” continues
the journey with a melodic riff and a strong 70s rock atmosphere. The chorus is
elevated by layered vocal harmonies and tasteful guitar phrases. Once again,
the guitarist demonstrates that memorable melodies matter more than flashy
technique. The opening riff returns at the end, leaving the listener humming it
long after the song finishes.
On “Spin
Your Ventilator”, the guitar and organ interplay becomes the star of the
show. The rotating groove almost feels like the spinning blades of the title
itself. The instrumental break, featuring both instruments in a melodic
dialogue, is one of the album’s most enjoyable moments.
Then comes
my personal favorite, “Suit of Worries”. As a lifelong Deep Purple fan,
I cannot hide my enthusiasm here. The spirit of “Black Night” is unmistakable,
and at times it genuinely feels as if Ritchie Blackmore himself had a hand in
the composition. The organ work is magnificent, and the nostalgic atmosphere is
irresistible.
“Last
Night You Dreamed I Was in Love with Someone Else” proudly wears its Rainbow influences. The
instrumental section is beautifully crafted and allows the band to stretch out
creatively. The fade-out ending is another delightful old-school touch rarely
heard today.
The album’s
centerpiece, “Nektarized”, embraces a space-disco vibe with confidence.
Dynamic drumming, unexpected tempo changes, and a wonderful organ-guitar duet
create a cosmic journey that feels both playful and immersive.
The
theatrical “Shadow of the Words” channels Queen through its piano
introduction and operatic vocal approach. Mad Painter deserve credit for
successfully paying tribute to multiple classic influences while still sounding
cohesive.
“Two
Horsemen” offers a
calmer, blues-oriented moment centered around organ melodies, providing a
welcome breather before the emotional “Tommy Lost It All” and the
majestic ballad “I Am the King”.
The energy
returns with “Stand Your Ground”. While I do not necessarily hear
Motörhead, I absolutely hear power, urgency, and some outstanding drumming that
recalls the great classic rock giants.
Finally, the album closes with “Circle of Hands,” a cover of the Uriah Heep classic. Remarkably, Mad Painter make the song sound so authentic that one could almost believe it predates the original recording.
In the end, Island Poetry is an album that dares to be unapologetically old-school. It celebrates the heritage of classic rock without sounding like a museum piece. Every track contributes something meaningful, and the musicians clearly poured their hearts into this project. In an era increasingly dominated by algorithms, shortcuts, and artificial intelligence, albums like this remind us why genuine musicianship still matters. Mad Painter took risks, embraced their influences, and delivered a rich, diverse, and highly enjoyable record. Quite simply, they don't make many albums like this anymore.
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