Vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Frédéric Pellerin formed Madcaps back in 1997. The group has undergone numerous personnel changes since then, as well as a gradual shift in sonic emphasis. “We have evolved a lot over the years,” explains Frédéric. “When we started, it was more funky and bluesy, but it is now more rock. There are still some funk elements but our sound tends to be a little heavier now.”
The sonic variety on Kiss The Lion is one of its key strengths. As Pellerin notes, “the album is homogenous, but it features different textures. Too many bands now are just using the same straight rock riffs with straight beats. We wanted to do different things with rhythms.”
Madcaps found the perfect production partner in the form of Glen Robinson. This rock ‘n roll veteran has worked with the likes of Voivod, Tea Party, and Headstones, and Frédéric calls him “the right guy for the job, as we wanted to get a bigger and heavier sound for the album.” Glen and the band set up shop in Studio Vox, Pellerin’s own Montreal recording studio. This space has been used by such major artists as Nanette Workman and Galaxie 500, and the comfort of the familiar surroundings was a real benefit. “The recording was very relaxed and natural, even though we were working hard every day and on a tight schedule,” recalls Frédéric.
The fact that Kiss The Lion was fully written and recorded in just five months helps account for its intensity and clear focus. In an unconventional but highly effective songwriting partnership, Pellerin bounces his ideas off collaborator Tom Sklavis, and the results prove that two heads (and pens) are better than one. Fred explains that “I come up with most of the basic lyric ideas. I’ll work on the first draft of a song, and then Tom works on my lyrics, sends them back, and I’ll work on them some more. It’s a really cool way of working.”
Pellerin’s lyrics are of the philosophical and soul-searching variety, and they possess both poetic power and the ring of hard-won truths. “They are a little dark, but to me they are cathartic,” he analyzes. “I wouldn’t say I’m a dark person in life but I try to work out my demons in my lyrics. The title track is one example. It’s about facing your fears, trusting your instincts, and taking risks. The album in general is a lot about liberating yourself, from everything that holds you down-or the rules that stop you from evolving.”
Musically, the songs on Kiss The Lion tend to reflect Pellerin’s earlier musical inspirations. He describes the explosive “Winner Or Loser” as a mix of James Brown and AC/DC, and cites the likes of The Cult, Soundgarden, The Doors, and Red Hot Chili Peppers as other formative influences. The judicious use of saxophone, keyboards and vocal harmonies add real depth and originality to the Madcaps sound.
This is an album just loaded with killer tracks. “Surrender” is a funkily rhythmic tune that explores a deteriorating relationship, and it’s described by Frédéric as “a bridge from the last album to this one.” “Crying” and “Hear My Prayer” are high-energy rockers with catchy choruses that surely will be lighting up the airwaves soon, while “In My Head” is a powerfully dramatic cut tinged with melancholy.
Kiss The Lion is set for a Feb. 12 release on Voxtone, the acclaimed independent label formed by Pellerin in 2003. The Madcaps have already lined up another extensive tour, and they’re revving up their rock ‘n roll engines. “Onstage is where we are at our best,” declares Frederic with justified confidence. “It is like we are all frontmen in this band. It is not tolerated to be lame onstage!”
“A lot of bands envy us for having so many shows lined up. Almost all the places we’ve played want us back. If they don’t hire us back, it’s because we’re too loud, so we don’t want to play there anyway!”
* There will be a Halloween DVD showing at 7pm.