I am sure that all the core fans of the Hair Metal scene are already familiar to the band called UZI. This act was formed in Chicago and made quite a fuss with their sleazy sound. Well, Madhouse is not a new album but a compilation from a band that has seized to exist.
Even though, I am not an expert on this specific genre I think I am capable to recognize a good album. Well, after listening Madhouse many times -more than it usually necessary for me to write a review- I believe it is nothing really special. Although, the songs breathe the MOTLEY CRUE air and share the same attitude with the early SKID ROW days, they don't have that strong melodies and choruses. And if you think harder then you will understand that what Hair Metal is all about; the looks, the attitude and the easy-to-sing-along melodies. Well, I did not discover many of those inside the ten tracks of Madhouse. During the listening sessions I found myself waiting to be blown away by the next bridge or the following chorus melody; but this never happened. Having said that, I cannot but acknowledge Nicholas Flynt for his powerful vocals that underline the term Hair Metal in the tag outside this album. He has (or had?) the vocal chords and the attitude that are shown in the best tracks of Madhouse; like the homonymous or the SKID ROW-esque From the Gutter where he reveals his higher pitches. In Wrecked Man there is a slight turn on UZI's sound that is pretty much justifiable since the year it was records the band had move to Los Angeles to seek a better luck. So, we have some underlying Grunge elements that is some degree take the band outside the Hair Metal box.
From the compilation's point of view Eonian Records has managed to put an album with one sound without disturbing variations due to the different recording year. In particular, the production has nothing to be jealous of the new releases due to the crystal clear sound that this type of music deserves. My verdict for Madhouse is that it cannot escape mediocrity even for the biggest and meanest fans of this genre. So, unless you are using liters of hair spray before you go out with your girlfriend / boyfriend then UZI is not for you. Well, the rest of you know what to do....