Oh, MAD CADDIES?!
They still exist? That was my first thought when I held the album in my hands.
Oh, it’s a summer record, that was my second thought.
“Punk Rocksteady“ is the name of the work that boasts twelve songs.
These are twelve songs that are far removed from the reggae or ska-punk with which the band became known. Sure, they had other songs in the past. MAD CADDIES were certainly not averse to groove back then either.
But what the Californians of MAD CADDIES offer here makes one forget that the band comes from a different corner.
It’s a dozen songs. A dozen times truly groovy, really relaxed songs dressed in the guise of reggae, dancehall, dub, and rocksteady. Beautiful deep bass, catchy melodies, and perfect interplay of the band allow you to really unwind and relax. It’s an ideal soundtrack for a day by the lake, by the pool, or at least on the balcony. I would have never thought that the band would release such a record. Yes, I would say, when listening blindly, here plays a band that has never done anything else.
Now the review could be over.
But that wouldn’t be the whole truth.
MAD CADDIES did not write the twelve songs themselves. They are cover versions of well-known (punk) bands, such as Bad Religion, Descendents, or The Misfits. Yes, that’s actually possible. You wouldn’t believe it if you didn’t hear it. The Californians show that a good song by a good band can also sound great in a completely different style.
This has probably been a dream of Fat Mike for years, who also produced the album. I don’t want to discuss why a dream of Fat Mike is realized by another band and not his own, but the question does arise.
I also have a few dreams, so if a band feels called to realize them, please get in touch.
I don’t see the album as a classic cover album; it’s far too good for that. The songs are all practically new, as they are completely rearranged and thus are original compositions and not cover versions, at least as far as the music is concerned.
Of course, a truly new album from MAD CADDIES would have been cool, but this album definitely shows that the band has a lot of musical talent and the songs really groove.
There’s really nothing to complain about because... it’s pretty awesome what’s coming out of the speakers.
