Brad Marino released his 5th studio album Agent of Chaos on April 3rd, and it truly embodies the sound he’s been perfecting for decades. For those not familiar with Brad Marino, he has created a niche in the art of power pop and garage rock. In all his releases, he originates punchy power pop with classic punk and rock energy, and in his new release that identity feels more prominent than ever. On Agent of Chaos, Marino maintains his signature Ramonescore style by pairing sharp guitars with mesmerizing melodies and catchy choruses. The production has a vintage sound to it that complements the songwriting and overall vibe, giving the album a nostalgic and timeless feeling.
Agent of Chaos starts off with the track “Blowing Smoke”, an immediate burst of energy that sets the tone for everything that follows. With a 90’s pop punk, garage rock vibe, buzzing guitars, and infectious hooks, it wastes no time pulling you in to want more. It’s a perfect opener for this album, and just made me want to get up and dance. The next track “Dissin’ & Dismissin'” slows things down a bit and focuses more on groovy driven melodies. It’s a perfect track to help to show that Brad has range.
“Voodoo” brings the energy back up with catchy riffs and a strong melodic core. I feel like this is one of his best, most straightforward power pop moments on the album.
“Murder and Violence” is one of my favorites on this album. The dark-sounding title is a bit misleading, as it’s actually a pretty upbeat song, though lyrically it’s deeper that it sounds. I just really love the tambourine, the melodies, and the overall sound of it. I’ve always been a fan of songs that hide dark and disturbing lyrics behind upbeat and catchy melodies.
“I Don’t Want You Anymore” is another track that makes me want to get up and dance. With pretty straightforward lyrics, it’s super catchy and easy to remember. Followed by “Regards”, another upbeat, infectious track that surprised me with a harmonica! It works so well in his album, I absolutely love the classic rock feel it added. This is also one of my favorites on the album, another one that is very catchy, groovy, and full of character. “Calling Your Bluff” keeps that same energy with great guitar hooks and solid songwriting. This one oddly feels like a classic you could have been listening to for decades now, proving that Brad Marino keeps the true sound and spirit of punk rock and roll alive.
“Lost Without You” draws you in from the moment it starts til it ends. With straightforward and captivating lyrics, it’s another slower track that leans into that classic power pop and Ramonescore sound. The next track is my favorite on the whole album. “Devil May Care” is such a good song that I cannot stop listening to. The steel guitar, keyboard, tambourine, and melodies all come together in a way that is so incredibly addicting. It seamlessly blends an early sixties vibe with that classic vintage garage rock feel to create a perfect track, showing just how well Marino can expand his sound.
“Sick of You” picks things up again with one minute and forty-two seconds of fast, frustration-fueled energy. “Reason or Rhyme” just continues that, and really just encapsulates the true garage rock band feel. Like it makes me want to get up, write my own songs, and start a punk band in my garage.
The last track on the record, “Make This Last” is the perfect closer. It brings another reflective moment on the album. With a super catchy chorus, it balances melody and sentimentality with Marino’s signature punchy songwriting and guitar work. This song feels vintage and nostalgic in the best way, bringing the record to a satisfying close and solidifying that timeless feeling of Agent of Chaos.
In the end, Agent of Chaos is everything you would expect from a Brad Marino record, and more. It stays true to his signature blend of power pop and garage rock while delivering plenty of memorable hooks and vintage inspired energy. Catchy and full of personality from start to finish with enough variety to keep you wanting more. Significant songwriting, quality hooks, and a sound rooted in classic punk and garage rock are what make this record so fun, and bound to get stuck in your head.
Released by Spaghetty Town Records in the United States, Ghost Highway Recordings in Spain, and Beluga Records in Sweden, “Agent of Chaos” is internationally available on vinyl, CD, and streaming platforms. Follow Brad Marino on Instagram to stay updated, and check out his Spain tour dates scheduled for May!
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