Spotlight Release Review | “Debt Collector” by Mad Painter: A Retro Rock Revival
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United States, Boston, MA
Mad Painter’s latest single, Debt Collector, drops you straight into a time capsule bound for the golden age of rock. From the first gritty notes of the Hammond organ, processed through a Marshall amp in a nod to the legendary Jon Lord, to the raw interplay between guitar and keys, the track feels like a love letter to the 1970s. Yet, this isn’t just an exercise in nostalgia—it’s a fresh, spirited jam that demands attention.
The song opens with a bluesy swagger, the rhythm section locking in like a well-oiled machine as the organ growls and howls with electric fervor. Dmitry M. Epstein’s lyrics are razor-sharp and dripping with tongue-in-cheek wit. They paint vivid images of a relentless pursuer, a character as much metaphor as it is menace. Frontman Alex Gitlin delivers the story with a theatrical flair, his voice effortlessly balancing grit and charm.
There’s an unmistakable chemistry between the band members, evident in how each instrument gets its moment to shine without ever overshadowing the whole. The guitar solo is pure fire—a searing burst of energy that calls to mind Richie Blackmore at his peak—while the organ layers on that delicious vintage texture.
Recorded at Tom Hamilton’s studio in Peabody, the production captures that warm, analog feel without sacrificing clarity. It’s a tricky balance, but one that Debt Collector nails, ensuring every riff, beat, and lyric hits with full force.
For fans of Deep Purple, Alice Cooper, or the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, this single will feel like a homecoming. Yet, there’s enough originality here to capture the attention of anyone hungry for authentic, soul-stirring rock in 2024. If this is a taste of their upcoming album, Island Poetry, then we’re in for a real treat.
