Listen to the Mad is the sixth album from London-based band Healthy Junkies. True to form, I’ve arrived late to the party. While I’ve heard and enjoyed a few of their singles before, this was my first time diving into a full album of theirs—and what an introduction it was!
For those unfamiliar with Healthy Junkies, the band started in 2010 as a duo before expanding to a quartet. Over the years, they’ve built a strong reputation on the live circuit, performing at renowned festivals like Rebellion, Whitby Goth Festival (where they have supported Toyah), and Corrosion Festival. Their music has also received significant media attention, with airtime on BBC Radio, Fresh On The Net, Amazing Radio, Planet Rock, Total Rock, and Blank TV. They’ve been reviewed by Alt Press, Louder Than War, Big Cheese Magazine, Vive Le Rock, Artrocker, and Devolution Magazine, to name a few. The band even featured in The United Kingdom of Pop, a documentary aired on ARTE TV across France and Germany and shown on Sky Arts alongside legends like The Specials.
Fast-forward to 2024, and Healthy Junkies have dropped Listen to the Mad. This album delivers a mix of rock, pop, and alternative delights, with a noticeable ’80s influence that feels right at home considering Blondie is one of their inspirations. The blend of styles keeps things fresh and dynamic throughout the album.
Highlights from the Album:
- “Dead Souls”: A standout track with an unmistakable ’80s pop-rock vibe. It’s a catchy, poignant exploration of mental health struggles.
- “Julie’s Got a Job”: Another earworm, this track closes with a dose of psychedelic guitar magic.
- “Solitaire”: Dreamy and reflective, the song captures the allure of solitude in a noisy world while also addressing the risk of loneliness.
- “Son and Daughter”: A surprising turn into reggae-inspired rhythms, showcasing the band’s versatility.
- “Now or Never”: A punky burst of energy that delivers with urgency.
- “Media Whore”: A sharp critique of social media’s narcissistic, artificial culture, set to gritty, rock-driven instrumentation.
Other tracks like “Desire,” “Tinnitus,” “Favourite Place,” and “Self Conscious” continue to explore themes of identity, connection, and self-reflection, all while maintaining the album’s vibrant energy.
The band describes the album as a project born out of necessity, saying:
“We recorded all of the songs with Jonathon Jacobs at Audiohaus studios in London. As always with Healthy Junkies, we were compelled to make music for the sake of our own sanity. We have been inspired by what we see and hear around us. We never aim to preach but do touch on issues that are affecting many of us.”
Overall, Listen to the Mad is an eclectic mix of punk, psychedelic rock, pop-punk, and even reggae. With infectious melodies and insightful lyrics, it’s an album that both engages and entertains. If you haven’t given Healthy Junkies a listen yet, this album is the perfect place to start.
‘Listen to the Mad’ is out now via Banana Castle Records and you can buy a copy here
Healthy Junkies Socials: Facebook/Instagram
Review by Hayley Foster da Silva
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