Setting the tone with a dimensional, organ-inspired, psychedelic synthscape, Mad Painter open Rock And Roll Samurai with intrigue and drama, as the share they share the opening prose, “I’m burning myself with the notions of yore, I don’t live on a shelf like a toy in a store…”
We are immediately enamoured by the poetic prowess and metaphorical concepts that Mad Painter deliver with their lyricism, cohesively fused into the cerebral tapestry of sound that make up the evocative sonic landscape of the opus.
We learn that Rock And Roll Samurai is the second single from Mad Painter’s upcoming album, Splashed. The band is relative newcomer on the Boston scene, and their sound is rooted in the melodic rock tradition of the 1970s. Mad Painter cite Mott The Hoople, Faces and Uriah Heep as some of their influences, although it is abundantly clear that they are creating a universe of their own.
Mad Painter is comprised of Alex Gitlin, who is the songwriter and “creator of the concept”, backed by drummer Al Hendry (Bubba Loaf, Tokyo Tramps), bassist Kenne Highland, who is a true veteran of the Boston rock scene (ex-Gizmos, Hopelessly Obscure, Johnny & The Jumper Cables, Africa Corps.), as well as guitarist Al Naha (Thighscrapers), and Julie Gee on backing vocals!
We connect with the tangible depth of the composition, and the raw emotion that Alex Gitlin shares with his delivery. The chord choices are refined and inspired, lending themselves to a transcendental edge. It is no surprise that the band has been performing live at venues including MIT, Out of the Blue Gallery, McGann’s, Hennessy’s, Club Bohemia, The Jungle Community Music Club and C Note in Hull, as well as the Winter Tanglefest in the Poconos. We can only imagine how incredible it would be to experience Mad Painter live.
We love the way the song breaks down for the middle eight, showcasing intricate percussion and roaring guitars which send us astral before the final reprise. In the meantime, we have added the epic and dynamic Rock And Roll Samurai to our New Music Spotlight playlist, whilst we continue to stream the band’s 2016 self-titled album.