This record is pretty damn horny. That sounds kinda pervy, huh? Well, that is because you have a one-track mind! Y’see, this CD has the sound of brass. It’s trumpets and trombones ahoy here, and thank god that it is. Reel Big Fish border on ska-pop and the Voodoo Glow Skulls are arguably ska-hardcore (or ska-core for those who prefer the shortened version). The Mad Caddies are ska-punk, make no bones about it. Listen to that punk sneer on ‘The Gentleman,’ for a perfect example.
Basically, this is essential listening. The best Mad Caddies release by eons. ‘Quality Softcore’ is good, ‘The Holiday Has Been Cancelled’ excellent, and ‘Rock The Plank’ is brilliant, but has no staying power. This is just bloody essential. It has all the qualities required for a ska-punk CD. The horns, the sillyness, the big ska guitar riffs. It’s all here. See the brilliant ‘Monkeys’ for another example. Then there’s ‘Road Rash,’ which combines elements of hardcore with the most melodic jazzy sound you’ll come across.
There are some great blends and fusions of music here. And the songs are just fantastic. Some border on the hardcore end, others are pretty slow. Others are just maniacal (see the aforementioned ‘Monkeys’ again.)
‘Econoline’ is sweet. Fast, furious, then that clean ska riff kicks in. Oooh, hits the spot. And that drumming… Every song on this CD is an absolute anthem, you just can’t deny it. Then there is the chilled-out ‘The Joust,’ with the catchiest chorus this side of The Plague. Words really don’t do this CD the justice that it deserves. ‘Betty’ is another perfect chill-out anthem, but that opening brass riff has surely been used before. Hasn’t it? If your foot isn’t tapping by the chorus, you better check your pulse.
‘aPathetic’ opens like Nofx. And continues like a Propagandhi covers band. But where are the horns I hear you cry? Who cares when the song is as good as this. And anyway, they make a welcome return on ‘Medium Unwell,’ which has a kind of foreign flavour to it. It’s really hard to pin down, just that it is strangely compelling. And I guess ‘Popcorn’ is the closest that the Cads are ever going to get to a bona fide ballad.
For a quick metal comparison, the Mad Caddies are the System Of A Down of the punk world. Innovative, different, but very, very good.
Paul Savage