Shadowland – Mad As A Hatter

Shadowland is one of the leading bands in the '90s wave of neo-progressive rock. With the release of their third album Mad As A Hatter, they still prove to be at the top.

In comparison with the first two albums, a lot has changed. In the first place, the record company. After two albums on the SI label, Mad As A Hatter is released by Verglas. Also, this album was recorded at the new Thin Ice Studios. And last but not least I would like to mention the artwork. Ring Of Roses and Through The Looking Glass looked both gloomy and dark, but this new cover is a colourful painting done by Pete Nicholls (singer IQ).

Mad As A Hatter has a fresh new sound, is full of surprises and a lot of musical changes. This record is more colourful compared to the others and does not have, like in the past, an fixed pattern in its songs. I think the old work of the band is generally okay, but this new assortment of songs with its wider variety of musical ideas results in some really marvellous tracks. This variety also entails that there are a few songs which don’t appeal to me. Father, for example, is a track with a sparkling melody and the chorus is catching, but I suppose these facts make this song just an average one and therefore doesn’t really move me. 

Also Zuleika is not a real cracker. It’s an older track, which they put on this latest record. The ‘Floydie’ middle part, the terrific drum parts and the backing vocals of Tracy Hitchings make a combination which would make an ideal single-track. The title track, Mad As A Hatter, is certainly worthwhile, however I think the variations and changes are ‘too much’. It does have some funny effects, by the way. 

Then some positive sounds: without criticizing the others, two musicians really stand out. Clive has grown as a singer and Ian Salmon proves himself on this record with some solo’s and refined guitar play. Feasts for the ear are the strong U.S.I., Flatline, The Seventh Year and The Burning. The record ends with Salvation Comes, in which amongst others Tracy Hitchings, Damian Wilson and Paul Wrightson sing in the choir. This song takes away the last doubts and that’s why I say: get this album!

By: René Romswinckel