Where Hammond Fire Meets the Spirit of the Seventies

Mad Painter’s Island Poetry feels like a record made for listeners who still believe rock should have character, movement and a little danger. The Boston band reaches deep into the vocabulary of 1970s rock, bringing Hammond organ, electric guitars, piano, bass, drums and layered vocals together in a warm, full-bodied production. Yet this is not simply an exercise in recreating a bygone era. The twelve tracks move through hard rock, progressive rock, glam and melodic rock with enough variation to keep the album constantly shifting. From the Hammond-heavy force of “Debt Collector” and “Suit of Worries” to the boogie-driven “Empty Bottles,” Mad Painter establishes its vintage atmosphere without losing its own personality.

The album becomes particularly engaging through the way each song approaches its influences differently. “Spin Your Ventilator” carries a straight-ahead rock energy, while “Last Night You Dreamed I Was in Love with Someone Else” leans into a more dramatic, expansive character. “Nektarized” explores a more spacey direction, whereas “Shadow of the Words” embraces theatrical rock. Elsewhere, twin guitars, heavier riffs and progressive textures broaden the palette. The inclusion of Dmitry M. Epstein’s lyrics on six tracks adds another dimension, bringing wit, imagery and storytelling into the arrangements. Rather than making the album feel fragmented, these contrasting ideas contribute to a journey that rewards listeners who enjoy discovering different shades of classic rock.

At the heart of Island Poetry is Mad Painter’s commitment to the chemistry of a real band. Alex Gitlin’s songwriting and Hammond playing provide a strong foundation, while Al Hendry, Kenne Highland and Al Naha bring weight and drive to the rhythm and guitar work, with Sharon Crumrine and Julie Gee adding further vocal depth. There is an appealing sense of musicians playing together rather than polishing every rough edge away. That approach gives the album warmth, energy and personality. Island Poetry ultimately celebrates the spirit of an era without treating it like a museum piece, delivering twelve tracks that invite listeners to turn up the volume, sing along and enjoy the ride.