ALBUM REVIEW: Mad Daddy – Mad Daddy (self-released)
Mad Daddy are a four-piece from the Isle of Man who play high octane rock ‘n’ roll punk blues.
Formed in 2015, they have three EPs to their name, and this is their all-killer, no-filler debut album.
Mad Daddy are Dolyn Clucas-Morris (vocals and harmonica), Liam Callow (guitar), Elvis Palooka (bass) and Matt Twist ( drums).
Their influences range from old blues and rock ‘n’ roll like John Lee Hooker and Link Wray through to The Stooges, Ramones and Motorhead.
And of course let’s not forget The Cramps, whose song gives them their name.
Garage-punk, rockabilly, call it whatever you like, it’s a tasty slice of sleazy, pedal to the metal rock ‘n’ roll, and I bet they’re great live.
They sing about impressing girls, getting wasted, being an outsider and part of a gang, among other R&R cliches.
But it’s tongue in cheek, and Mad Daddy manage to pull it off with real panache, making for a hugely enjoyable album.
Things kick off with the swaggering, harmonica-doused Give It To Me, and the pace doesn’t let up as they dive into Just You Wait (And See).
The riffs hit even harder on Ride With Me, and Hey Elvis! is a defiant two-fingered response to being singled out for the way you look.
I’m Bored recalls prime era Stooges, and Ain’t Gotta Stop and Let’s Get Messed Up complete a trio of songs about living life to the full.
Play it again
Everyone will identify with Real Bad Day, and though Outta The Way eases off the gas a little, it has that chugging MC5 vibe.
FFO The Jim Jones Revue, Blue Carpet Band, Vicious Cycles, this is an album you’ll play over and over again. 8/10.
- Mad Daddy is available on digital, CD and green vinyl, from the band’s Bandcamp page HERE.
- Among the thanks is one to Isle of Man Arts Council for helping secure a grant to press the vinyl. Well done IoMAC – don’t you wish more official bodies would help out grassroots musicians like that?
