Mad Painter – Empty Bottles (2024)
In our 2023 interview with Mad Painter frontman, Alex Gitlin, he shares that music is “an outlet for creative expression” – we can’t agree more. From sociopolitical narratives to intimate experiences of lost love or just the insane need to get something out of your soul and into the world, music is creative expression. Influenced by diverse sounds of the 1970s, from classic rock to heavy metal and glam rock, Mad Painter gets things out transcending distance, space, decades, and ultimately generations with the pure thread of good music.
Following the well-received album Splashed, the US-based six-piece breathes life into nostalgic whispers of old-school classic rock with ‘Empty Bottles’; however, while the core of 70s rock is evident, slips of 90s alternative rock and pop-rock make an appearance. Penned in early 2022, the song became an audience favourite at live shows before it was released as a single and the exuberant live sound oozes from the track.
Produced with Thomas Hamilton, ‘Empty Bottles’ has the enthusiasm of a toe-tapping, hard-hitting, “twirl around ‘cause it’s party time” vibe. Al Hendry’s pounding drums crash behind Kenne Highland’s bold bass and Al Nahabedian’s guitar with Gitlin’s keyboards sliding alongside. For me, the crescendo into a soaring guitar solo adds an enchantingly rugged flair; then again, the vocals bring an enchanting flair of their own. Gitlin’s rich vocals with Julie Gee and Sharon Crumrine’s silky backing add intricate profoundness to an already complex and kaleidoscopic tune.
“It’s the party atmosphere, so prevalent in the first half of the 1970s…but so sorely lacking today. We wanted to preserve and convey it. But the lyrics tell a bittersweet tale; if you listen closely, you’ll know it’s about the isolation and the lockdowns of 2020… People scared of each other, standing close seemed a threat? It wasn’t that long ago… This song delivers hope to all those who want to persevere in the face of adversity…” Alex Gitlin on ‘Empty Bottles’
In addition to the single, Mad Painter released an official music video for ‘Empty Bottles’. You can view the video below or on their YouTube channel. Please note that this video uses effects that can cause migraines and/or seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
Find out more about Mad Painter on their official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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