MADLOCKS from Berlin crossed my path knowingly a few years ago. I was all the more surprised when I received the band's album, which was already released in 2008. I didn't even know that the band still existed.
MADLOCKS have been around for 10 years now, and “Riot“ is their debut album. Did someone take their time or just not find a label that was interested in the music?
It can't be the music that's the issue. The three guys and the girl Anke, who sits behind the drums, deliver a solid sound on the record. The music is characterized by '80s hardcore, old-school street punk, and the sound that only bands from Berlin (-Kreuzberg) seem to achieve. Dirty, powerful, and melodic. I also think of Bite the Bullet from Berlin, who create a similar sound, though with fewer hardcore influences. The 18 songs are all under 3 minutes, which means the band gets to the point and adheres to the golden punk rock rule: “No song longer than 3 minutes.”
Overall, the recording could be more powerful and robust. What comes out of the speakers sometimes sounds a bit thin. Nevertheless, you can hear how the band must be live. It will surely get intense.
For fans of the old school, MADLOCKS are recommended. The younger generation should first check out the record at their trusted vinyl dealer.
Recommended tracks are the title track “Riot“ and “Old School Hardcore“.
