The keen reader might recall kaleidoscopic American rock outfit Mad Painter, featured previously by us thanks to their record ‘Illusion’. Describing the band’s ethos, we proudly declared: “the group is navigating a classic prog-rock and psych sound with academic diligence. It is almost a tribute, in the sense that they want to offer a tribute to a genre and to a philosophy that’s clearly very important to them.”
Now, the Arlington-based group returns with another energetic, exuberant and dramatic effort, ‘Rock and Roll Samurai’. The piece is a wonderful cinematic-flavoured piece, boasting strong and evocative storytelling that takes the listener on an imaginative journey in the life of a musically gifted Samurai. The band’s instrumental prowess is notable: on a fast and punchy drum groove, Mad Painter builds an epic rock opera made up of Hammond organs, distorted guitars, charming BVs harmonies and a very malleable lead vocal.
In a way, Mad Painter transports us back to the classic melodic rock of the 1970s, fully embodying the spirit of the era. Their signature psychedelic rock style is reminiscent of Woodstock, glam rock a-la Mott the Hoople and the Faces, and epic heavy anthems in the vein of Uriah Heep.
Recommended! Discover ‘Rock and Roll Samurai on Spotify:
