PA Musician Magazine

PA Musician Magazine
October 2010 Edition
Review by Jim Price

Maddam Ink – Inklination

Lehigh Valley foursome Maddam Ink hone their brand of melody-geared hard rockon their sophomore disc, “Inklination”. Singer/guitarist Adam Burke, lead guitarist Matt Scott, bassist Steve Benecke, and drummer Kyle Young effectively blend hooks and crunch over the disc’s ten tracks; polished to a smooth sharp edge by noted producer David Ivory.

Maddam Ink’s overall sound merges classic melody with contemporary edge; but while the terrain is familiar and consistent with current modern rock, this group successfully brands its own stamp on it.  Power and melody converge on the disc-opening salvo “Carry Me Home” and “Believe” as well as the churning rocker “Coletrane”. “Falling” sounds radio ready with its infectious hook and chorus chants.  Maddam Ink borders on Nickelback terrain with the charging “Touch,” and vents some anger on the tough-toned “Innocence.”

The group crafts an intriguing tension-and-release rocker on “Jaded,” shows acoustic-geared flavors on “Speak” and “Save the World”, and slams the lid on the disc with the brazen “Special”.  The instrumental execution is clean and concise, and Burke sings his words with tone, control and clarity.  Ivory’s production and arrangements focus the melodies and sound, enabling the group’s creations and hooks to achieve maximum pay-dirt.

Maddam Ink crafts efficient, hard rocking ear candy on “Inklination”; in the process stating a strong case for advancing to the next level.  (The CD can be obtained through the group’s website, www.maddamink.com or at CD Baby or iTunes.