MADHOUSE – Money Talks Bullshit Walks (2019)
“Money Talks Bullshit Walks” the title of debut album from rockers MADHOUSE, which according to themselves; ‘we’re on a mission: spread the word of ’80s Glam & Hair Metal all over the world again”. Madhouse has spewed forth not of L.A. but from the gutters of Austria a couple years ago heavily influenced by everyone’s favorite bands of the Sunset Strip era.
No this is nothing like Steel Panther. This isn’t just a party, spoof-like band that goes over the top. Madhouse is the real deal. With pure whiskey, beer and party blood flowing through their veins, it’s a fantastic journey from the first track to the very end.
Tommy Lovelace on vocals has that old fashioned, raspy vocal sound that sometimes sounds just like Stephen Pearcy from Ratt. Place that beside the duel attack on guitars from Mikki Stixx and Freddy Heart, you have a sound that just is gaining more and more speed again to catch up to its predecessors from the Sunset Boulevard era.
However, that’s not all! You must add in the percussion of Ken Shuri beating the hell out of the drums and Ricky Dee on bass. Here you have the sound of Madhouse from Mars Music Productions.
You’re immediately treated to a full-on duel attack on guitars when the pounding percussion comes in adding a rawness to the opening track. Combine that with the vocals and you have classic 80s sound once again blasting your eardrums. The title of this song is even classic sounding; “Boom, Boob Shaker” shows the listener that these guys are sticking to their manifesto and want to help lead the charge in the resurgence of glam/sleazy rock to a new generation. Just to note, if you’re lonely and listen to this track, there is a nice-sounding female whispering sweet nothings into your ear.
Next in the onslaught is the title track of “Money Talks, Bullshit Walks”. Ah, the sound of the cowbell! (Can there ever be enough?) The vocals really lead this track. When listening to this song, I immediately thought of early Ratt. I could hear every note and lyric being done by Stephen and the classic gang.
Slipping into a nice warm third place is “Crazy Night”. Trust me, this isn’t any cover version of KISS. This is a standout track with a blistering guitar sound as well as some great lyric writing and even grunts and gang vocals throughout.
Loved the music intro to “First Time Lover” before the vocals kick in. This song proves once again how much a singer should also be considered an “instrument” in a band. Great tune.
Bring on the sounds of the nightlife with sirens and traffic and then add the guitar opening riff. Throw the drums in, and… Pow, you’re off. “Push, Push, Rip & Tear” may sound like a title from a Cinderella throwaway, but I can assure you it’s not. This is the song that stands out to me as the one that screams their motto. The first vocals are “Look out!” and “straight from the gutter”. The tone of this is straight off the Whiskey stage. Bring it on I say.
Let’s fast forward a bit to save some of the gems on this album to your own opinion. Track eleven on the album is “Sick Sex”. Does anything else need to be said with a title like that? Let your imagination go wild, then check out the track. You’ll be glad you did.
Coming in the backdoor, in the final spot before you hit repeat on the whole album is “Hard ‘N Heavy”. With the comedic opening, sounds of a smoke being lit, you’re instantly treated to a full-on assault from the band, sans vocals. Once the lyrics hit, it’s pure sleazy sounding, however, despite its title, this is a midpaced song enven with a little AORish flavor to it.
A great way to finish off the album. Always leave them wanting more they say and this tune does just that.
Madhouse’s “Money Talks Bullshit Walks” is exactly what I love to hear. This album is right in my wheelhouse of the music I truly love to listen too. Whether it be driving, at work, or school, it hasn’t failed to motivate me.
I just hope that Madhouse doesn’t fall off the path, continues to march forth and bring more music like what is represented here.
These guys play ’80 US glammy hard rock, yes, but with bite, not cheese. Remember the sound of the very first Ratt, WASP, Twisted Sister, etc albums? You get the picture.
Highly Recommended
01 – Boom Boob Shaker
02 – Money Talks Bullshit Walks
03 – Crazy Nights
04 – First Time Lover
05 – Push Push Rip And Tear
06 – Knuckle Sandwich
07 – Tears Like Rain
08 – W.p.o.s.
09 – Kiss My Ass (till Paradise)
10 – First In The Row
11 – Sick Sex
12 – Hard ‘n Heavy
Vocals: Tommy Lovelace & Lonewoolf
Guitar: Mikky Stixx
Guitar: Freddy Heart
Bass: Ben Walker
Drums: Ken Shuri
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