“Island Poetry,” Mad Painter’s new album, is a 12-song rock record that shines with strong musicianship, classic influences, and a clear sense of character. Alex Gitlin created the album, which features Hammond organ, electric guitar, piano, bass, drums, and layered vocals for a full sound that spans different sides of rock.

The album opens with “Debt Collector,” a Deep Purple-inspired track that gives it instant weight and drive, while “Empty Bottles” is pure rock territory, with all the energy that comes with Status Quo. Then “Spin Your Ventilator” gets a bit more rocking with the side power of AC/DC, while “Suit Of Worries” returns to a heavier Deep Purple sound, with a more tense, dramatic feel.

The album never strays from its rock roots, but it keeps changing gears. Rainbow-inspired “You Dreamed I Was In Love” adds a different sort of melodic, dramatic color to the record. Followed by “Nektarized,” a space-disco diversion under the influence of Ganymed, one of the album’s odder turns. Queen’s theatrical sweep continues, and “Shadow of the Words” adds even more drama. Guitars feature heavily in “Two Horsemen,” with dual guitar textures reminiscent of Wishbone Ash.

“I Am The King” shifts mood again and draws on the Moody Blues, showing how Mad Painter soaks up its influences without getting mired in the same style. “Stand Your Ground” chooses the harder road, throwing in the speed and aggression of Motörhead. Something about “Tommy Lost It All” feels different from the rest, as it builds on Mad Painter’s established sound, making it more a statement of the band’s identity than a reference point.

The album closes with Mad Painter’s take on the Uriah Heep classic, “Circle Of Hands.” Gitlin’s songwriting on “Island Poetry” is aided by Al Hendry on drums, Kenne Highland on bass, Al Naha on guitar, and backing vocalists Sharon Crumrine and Julie Gee. Six tracks also feature lyrics from writer and music journalist Dmitry M. Epstein, who brings humor, character, and dramatic imagery. The result is a rock album that honors its influences but gives each song its own space in the journey.

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Big Jon’s latest release, “Level Up” is all about confidence, competition, celebration, and the drive to keep pushing forward. The song is about an artist with a winner’s mindset who sees every obstacle as another chance to prove himself. “Big Jon believes that when the going gets tough, the tough get going, and keep getting up.

Big Jon is proud of his wins and celebrates with his brothers across the track, imagining himself at the center of attention with playful confidence. He loves the larger-than-life character he has created, talking about his mansion, his success and the confidence that makes his opponents think twice before stepping up. The upshot is a striking portrait of a man enjoying his moment while making it clear he expects bigger things to come.

“Level Up” is a progress report from an artist who knows he’s only just begun. Big Jon is proud of his progress, but he’s quick to emphasize he’s just getting started. The song is a tribute to the mindset of someone ready to take on whatever comes next and keep moving forward with playful confidence, a tongue-in-cheek attitude, and a determined outlook.

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