GENRE; 80s Rock/ AOR/ Blues/ Glam Rock/ Hard Rock/ Psychedelic/ Soft Rock/ Acoustic
RELEASE DATE; 01 October, 2026
RATING; 4/5
Island Poetry is a twelve-track album based on Mad Painter’s version of hard rock, progressive rock, glam and melodic styles from the 1970s. The material has a solid character due to the warm analog-style production, the natural dynamics and the performances by the entire band, with the Hammond organ, electric guitar, piano, bass, drums and layered vocals making up the main musical elements.
The different aspects of the album can be seen in the individual characteristics of its tracks. The songs “Debt Collector” and “Suit of Worries” are influenced by Deep Purple, “Empty Bottles” goes straight into the type of boogie-rock linked with Status Quo, “Spin Your Ventilator” has a lean force similar to that of AC/DC and “Last Night You Dreamed I Was in Love with Someone Else” is modelled on Rainbow. “Nektarized” has a space-disco atmosphere, “Shadow of the Words” adopts Queen’s dramatic style, and “Two Horsemen” makes use of twin-guitar textures reminiscent of Wishbone Ash.
The stylistic trend is continued in the second half without leaving behind the album’s main rock characterisation. “I Am the King” is inspired by the Moody Blues, “Stand Your Ground” shows the speed and aggression typical of Motörhead, “Circle of Hands” is Mad Painter’s version of the Uriah Heep hit and “Tommy Lost It All” is based on the band’s own sound. Six of the tracks have lyrics by Dmitry M. Epstein, introducing a sense of wit, personality and dramatic imagery at certain points without losing sight of the melody, the riffs and the large-scale arrangements.
The variety is what enables Island Poetry to stand out. The Hammond organ continues to play a significant role and is backed by electric guitar, piano, bass and drums, with the layered vocals adding to the more complete sound. Over the twelve tracks the album moves from hard-driving rock through progressive elements, shows the influence of glam, includes some boogie and has its share of theatrical sections. The outcome is a deliberately diverse record which accepts the heaviness, melody and dramatic aspirations typical of classic 1970s rock but presents these features in the way that is characteristic of Mad Painter’s approach on a full-length album.
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