Reviewed by Rupert Loydell

Mad At The World are sold as new wave, which isn't quite on target. This album contains a mixture of pleasant, slightly upbeat pop, and doom-laden slow numbers, all fairly traditional, all excellently played and composed. Occasionally heavy-handed with their lyrics, in the main they match an acute sensibility of today's problems - drugs, sex, depression, loneliness, fear - with messages of comfort, support and salvation. They are not afraid to present a struggle between 'hope and hopelessness', where forgiveness is available as is a dependable love. Neither are they afraid to admit that drugs really can be attractive to people as an escape route. My main disappointment is with the lack of adventure or inventiveness musically. There are hundreds of bands playing this kind of stuff, and it would be nice to hear something new, especially from those - such as Mad At The World - with a 'new wave' reputation. . . As a pop production it can sit proudly, and beg for you to listen.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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