Mad Painter - Debt Collector

​Mad Painter

Debt Collector
self-released; 2024

​3.8 out of 5

By Jamie Funk
​

Mad Painter, the Boston-based band formed in 2015, channels the raw essence of 1970s rock with their latest release, “Debt Collector.” Anchored by Alex Gitlin’s commanding vocals and keyboard work, the group—featuring Alan Hendry on drums, Kenne Highland on bass, Julie Gee and Sharon Crumrine on backing vocals and flute, and Alan Nahabedian on guitar—crafts a sound steeped in vintage blues-rock tradition. The track feels like it was plucked straight from the golden age of British and American rock, staying true to their self-proclaimed roots.

“Debt Collector” kicks off with a tight, blues-infused groove that immediately sets the tone. Gitlin’s voice is tailor-made for this era of music, effortlessly capturing its soulful grit and swagger. The hook is unfussy and infectious, exactly the kind of refrain that sticks in your head long after the track ends.

The real magic, though, unfolds in the second half. The band takes the listener on a journey through extended instrumental breaks, starting with an organ interlude that evokes the psychedelic spirit of The Doors. This seamlessly transitions into a searing guitar solo before circling back to the hook, only to dive once again into another expansive instrumental section. It’s a showcase of the band’s musicianship, a moment where they cut loose and simply rock.

What makes “Debt Collector” stand out is its purist approach. There’s no modern polish or forced innovation—just a faithful homage to the sounds of the ‘60s and ‘70s. That fidelity pays off, making this track a love letter to classic rock fans who crave authenticity over reinvention. Mad Painter isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel—they’re here to remind us why it spun so well in the first place.

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