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MURRAY HADDOW: Certified Mad

Urban guerrilla poetry accompanied by drums, bass, sax, lawnmower and shovel! Recorded live at the King’s Arms, this album pulses with a manic energy, underpinned by the tight and varied drumming of Bruce Morley, who says that working with Haddow “… reminds me of my time with Spike Milligan… this is poetry you can pogo to.” Aotearoa hasn’t heard a ranting, saxy beat machine like this since Foisemaster, although Haddow’s ‘Orgestra’ is not quite as rowdy, which makes it easier to appreciate the words of the front man. The musicians do a magnificent job of providing a platform for Haddow, and interject interesting noodly bits that never get in the way of the frequently hilarious recital. In a nod to Linton Kwesi Johnson, Reggae fi Nandor sees Haddow adopting a Jamaican accent, which works well in the context of the piece. The rest of the numbers are delivered in good old Kiwi, so it’s kind of like going to an instrumental gig and having the resident bar philosopher bend your ear while the band plays. Cool.

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