Madness - 'The Liberty of Norton Folgate'

The East End London band known for the “nutty sound of ska” is back intact with what may be the finest album of its 30-year career. In an hourlong set of its first new material in 10 years, the septet presents an ambitious concept album (Yep Roc) with London as its main “character.”

Sounding as if mentored by Ray Davies, the group offers songs about London’s distinct neighborhoods, the changing face of communities, detailed slices of life and the struggles of working-class folks. The album sounds as if the long-running BBC soap “East Enders” had been transformed into a ska-pop musical.

The songs, written by the entire band, are immersed in tight, sophisticated pop arrangements.

The sound comes off as 21st-century British music hall enlivened with soul and rock. The tunes are all melodic, accessible and radio friendly, performed with a well-rehearsed edge. After enduring many ups and downs during its three-decade long career, Madness returns firing on all creative cylinders.  

– Eric Feber, The Pilot

Tracks to download  “Dust Devil,” “On the Town,” “We Are London”

To Pre-Order "The Liberty of Norton Folgate" (Link goes to Amazon.com)

ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here and for following agreed-upon rules of civility. Comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its Web sites. Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the "Report Violation" link below the comment.