Album Review
2-5 Stars A strong effort, yet frequently gives the impression that the band is struggling to establish their own identity.
Reviewer: Isabella Ambrosio
Released: 27th June 2025
Label: Flatspot
Pig Pen puts forth a great effort on ‘Mental Madness’. While the album does capture its title theme, it also comes off as somewhat repetitive. It’s perfect for those looking for something to thrash to, but it may disappoint others who understand that hardcore encompasses more than just a single tone and key. The record was written and recorded in a mere two days, contributing to a rushed, one-dimensional vibe. Fronted by Matty Matheson, the chef and star of FX’s The Bear, the band features Wade Macneil from Alexisonfire and members of Daniel Romano’s Outfit, coming together to share their interpretation of the classic ‘80s hardcore they adored in their youth. Although they attempt to weave in elements of post-hardcore, punk, and metal, these influences unfortunately get overshadowed, and by the fifth track, the record becomes fairly predictable. While it’s a commendable effort, it often seems as if the band struggles to forge a unique identity, lacking the cohesion necessary to create an album that doesn’t feel repetitive. Tracks like ‘Rabid Beach’, ‘Heat Wave’, and ‘Mental Mentality’ feel quite similar, whereas ‘Pig Pen’, ‘Power Love Train’, and ‘Highway’ offer brief moments of promise, channeling rock’n’roll and metal styles before being overshadowed by the monotonous hardcore rhythms that the band frequently lapses into. ‘Mental Madness’ does not linger in the memory for long, and honestly, it's challenging for it to do so when distinguishing between its tracks proves difficult.
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An impressive effort, yet it often seems the band is having difficulty establishing a unique identity.