Mad Daddy were formed by frontman Dolyn Clucas-Morris and his actual dad (hence the name).
This Isle of Man band have evolved since their formation and currently comprise of Dolyn Clucas-Morris (harmonica/vocals), Liam Callow (guitar), Callum O’Meara (bass) and Brook Wassall (drums).
They release a new album ‘Too Tough to Die’ this month which is the follow up to their self-titled debut which came out in 2021. The album is a collection of ten songs, with six new tracks, with one re-recorded, and three re-mixed from 2022’s ‘Road Racer EP`.
We kick off with title track `Too Tough To Die` and it`s a pounding slice of punk tinged rock with lyrics that have just the right amount of not arrogance but challenge about them with a brief blistering guitar solo about two thirds of the way through. A real marker for what`s to follow. There`s more of a Dr Feelgood vibe to `Hot Chicks` with its repeated lyrics, stop start texture, guitar riffs and harmonica hues.
`I’m An Outsider (And I Like It)` has a Pistols kind of swing about it and really draws you into its busy and engaging one hundred and fifty three seconds of life. Blistering guitar riffs and harmonica tones lead us into and through the racing rhythm and bluesy `Stoned` with vocals that appear a little distant as if shared through a megaphone. There`s also occasional woofs / barks / whoahs all interspersed on route.
The re-recorded `Here To Stay` still retains it`s rock n roll origins but seems to have a bit more bite about it. There`s a more retro garage rock feel to `Ride That Train` and on the strength of this I wouldn`t want to be left back on the platform at the station.
MV said of the original that `Road Racer` sounds filthy. The sort of thing where you’re certain there’s debauchery going on but are a little too frightened to check. Just scream “Go Road Racer!” and look like you belong. This remixed version retains all the passion of the original and more. The egotism and fear associated with `Be Bad` is maybe notched up a touch on this remix.
`It Ain’t Easy` is the final track remixed from last years` EP and it still oozes all that delightful sleaziness of the original and seems like it has been set on self-destruct as it races to hit the finish line first. This release closes out with `Give it Some` and it certainly does with skewed riffs, a guiding bassline, thumping pounding drums, harmonica shades and vocals that kind of smack you in the face. There`s a slight time out midway as it gathers breath before retaining its scorched earth journey and fading.
There was so much to enjoy on `Too Tough To Die` with its mix of pounding drums, explosive riffs and harmonica hues and I can understand why Iggy Pop has championed the band on his BBC 6 music show.
I`ve never experienced a group from that small island in the middle of the Irish sea but these Manx punksters are a class act. I`ve passed their island many times to and from Belfast and now I have a legitimate excuse to stop and plan a visit there.
If you love bands such as the Stooges, Pistols, The Damned, Dr Feelgood and Jon Spencer, you might wanna plan your own vacation there as well.
Rating 9/10
