thePULSEThe New Incarnation of Mad Pedestrian;
Better, Ballsier, and Now Available On-line
By Bobby Hankinson
Combining the best of modern rock (think Queens of the Stone Age) and classic punk (think Blackflag), Worcester rockers Mad Pedestrian, originally founded in 1995, are proving things can indeed be better the second time around.
Vocalist Chris Anderson and guitarist Jeff Mealey, the founders of MP, reunited last summer to breathe new life into the band. Joined by Bill Naze on bass and Andy Saphier on drums, the group now has two tracks available online at www.jempros.com/madpedestrian/mp3s.html.
Anderson, who is also the band’s chief lyricist, said he wrote “AM Rodeo” as a “…shout out against the angst I get from FM radio.” Mad Pedestrian sticks to basic rock formula for the song’s structure (verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge/solo, chorus, outro) but their execution is what puts them above par. Opening with heavy guitars, Anderson’s elastic voice commands the verse right through the punk-inspired chorus. Mealey’s fret work on the solo is just the thing to match the dexterity of Anderson’s vocal melody.
The second track, “Waivering Beast” (inspired by Anderson’s desire to front a band again), keeps the same straightforward structure as “AM Rodeo.” The frenetic energy builds through the first verse of pounding guitars, reminiscent of Disturbed, and then explodes into another up-tempo chorus. Anderson unleashes a gem of a vocal hook, enough to keep your head banging and feet tapping all at once. The solo here, however, works in contrast to the vocals, complementing Anderson’s chorus, where the intensity almost seems to melt the lyrics together, with precision-picking.
Together, these tracks showcase Mad Pedestrian’s ability to effectively meld the intensity of hard rock with the speed and exuberance of punk. Armed with a howling frontman, nimble-fingered guitarist and a formidable rhythm section, they have all the necessary components to stand up to their contemporaries across several genres.
The band hopes to hit the studio to record some more tracks in the spring or early summer, Anderson said. But for now he’s not concerned with selling a million records or making the cover of Rolling Stone. The band is friends first and hopes to keep things light. “Whatever happens, happens; whatever doesn’t, doesn’t,” he said. But I’m guessing what’s going to happen is a long and illustrious career for Mad Pedestrian.
I like the new sound but it falls short of their earlier stuff. The vocals are completely tamed. I had their second album and that seemed to be the heaviest of their careers. This one reminds me of their first one which I liked and thought had more groove and melodies in them, even though they were still balls to the walls.
The problem with these new tracks is Chris the singer doesn’t do anything too special. Actually, its kind of boring and plain unlike the other two albums abunch of years back.
With only one guitarist on these new songs I don’t think they lose anything. Hes a solid guitar player and has been around the block enough to know what hes doing and to fill gaps. This kid wails and puts on a good show. Always has always will in my eyes and ears.
As for the new rythem section I like it alot. This drummer brings to the table something different than their original. As for bassist I think this new guy was the best they ever picked up even though for the moment his name eludes me.
I just can’t believe mad pedestrian never got signed back when they should have. Well atleast they are back. Maybe this time is their chance?