MADNESS - Theatre of the Absurd Presents C'est La Vie 2LP (colour vinyl)

Limited edition crystal clear double colour vinyl. Black wax also available.

Highly recommended.

This is yet another triumph for the band, of whom most members are already in their 60s. But age hasn’t caused their music to feel stale like is often the case with older artists, instead Madness sound more alive than ever.

From the dramatic orchestral flourishes of the opening Theatre Of The Absurd, to the aggressive experimentation present on many tracks; the demented electronic surf rock of Lockdown And Frack Off, the relentless pounding march of the very clearly SMiLE-influenced If I Go Mad, the psychedelic, electro-disco thump of the suitelike The Law According To Dr. Kippah, the aggressive afrobeat number Run For Your Life, and even the more simplistic and straightforward pop tracks Baby Burglar and Round We Go, throughout all the experimentation and eclecticism, one thing is clear: this band is bursting at the seams with creativity and excitement for their craft, which is the secret as to how they’ve managed to keep up this level quality nearly 50 years on from their debut.