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Like any long running punk band worth their salt, it does the Mad Caddies something of a disservice to call them a “punk” band in the traditional sense.
They are a band with the voracious musical appetite of anyone from David Bowie to Bjork, their music encompassing genres from hardcore, to polka, to jazz and on one occasion, the sea shanty. It’s the only sure fire way to keep any band interesting after twenty years on the job, after all!
The original incarnation of the band formed out of the same high school, each member of the founding quintet met while attending the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School and the majority of them remain to this day. Singer Chuck Robertson, lead guitarist Sascha Lazor and trumpet player Todd Rosenberg have remained with the band since forming under the name Cracked Macaroni.
In 1996 they signed to Honest Don’s Records and promptly came to their senses. They changed their name to Mad Caddies and released their debut album “Quality Soft Core” the year after, which was enough to get Fat Mike of NOFX’s label Fat Wreck Chords interested.
This would be the making of the Caddies, since every subsequent release after that, their five studio albums, two E.P’s and their live album 2004’s Songs in the Key of Eh! (Live from Toronto), have come from that label.
Since then they’ve been one of the American alternative rock scene’s godfathers. They’ve never had the breakout crossover hits that some of their contemporaries have had and many more have tried for, but that’s never been the Caddies’ goal.
Theirs has been to make the best and most eclectic music that they can make and they’ve reached that goal many times over, while still being one of the best live acts around to boot. Highly recommended.
Live reviews
Mad Caddies are a ska-punk band from California. They have been a band since 1995 and in that time they have released an impressive catalogue, including five full-length album, one live album and two EPs. They are signed on Fat Wreck Chords alongside fellow ska-punk bands like The Flatliners and Dead to Me. However, they have carved out their own place in the scene which has allowed them a successful career up to the present day. Their latest album, Dirty Rice, marks a change in the traditional Mad Caddies sound as they slow their music down. Mad Caddies are an excellent band live. On stage, the band plays a strong set that is evidently a result of their hard touring over the years. Every member dances around the stage with all of the energy of their music. The crowd gives it all back as everyone dances around the room. Mad Caddies play a range of songs from their catalogue, with slower songs like their hit State of Mind go down just as well as their faster songs amongst the energetic crowd. They play hit after hit with the crowd moving into to the ska beat, going down a success among old and new fans. Mad Caddies have entirely earned their success and reputation and as a result, they are festival favourites consistently packing out large venues. Mad Caddies always play a fun set for all to enjoy. Whether or not you know their music, from the front to the back the crowd is engrossed in their music, singing or dancing along. They have truly earned their place in punk fame alongside Fat Wreck label-mates and friends, like NOFX and Dillinger Four – they are a band that everyone can enjoy.
tashal0uise
Are the Mad Caddies the only band on the circuit using brass during a punk show? Quite possibly. The influence of ska on the Californian musicians sound has been clearly evident through the years and has helped shape both the recorded albums and the live show.
The seven piece are all completely invested in the overall sound and music and would do anything to garner the band positive response to both the live performance. It is clear from the huge reaction by their audience they are on the right track as tonight is a showcase of dismissing genre conventions and bringing together instruments and sounds that do not naturally go together to form a cohesive gig. The brass section sounds stunning tonight and it is cheered along during impressive solo sections. Through a fifteen song setlist there is evidence of punk rock, swing, reggae and jazz before it crescendos in a barrage of joy for a finale of 'Dixtress'. They could not ignore the applause and stomping of feet so bound back onstage for an encore 'Road Rash' much to the crowd's enjoyment.
sean-ward
Excellent!!!! The show was great-they played all my favorite songs-an assortment from a few cd’s , and they sounded fantastic! Being there you could just feel the music-it was such a great concert! Loved it! The venue was small, which made it even better! I flew in from Utah to see them play and it was such a great experience to enjoy the music live!! The best part was the music was played just like on the cd’s , they didn't drag out the songs with long instrument plays. They sounded SO good, the singing, the drums, the guitar, the horns (my fav), Go MC’s!!!!
suzy-que-2
Mad Caddies kicked ass!!! They played a variety from Quality Soft Core all the way up to Dirty Rice and even one of their newest from the Reggae Cover album with Fat Mike. The venue was small so we were able to get close. Sascha Lazor gave my 11-year-old son his guitar pick after the show and Chuck Robertson gave up the set list. They rocked! Definitely worth the drive to see them. Can't wait to see them again in 2 weeks at Camp Punk In Drublic.
amanda-albee-gard
Mad Caddies' gig was amazeballs best gig I've been this year, and that must be definitely over 30! They are a mega cool fun bad to watch live, they've been going for 19 years and they have been 19 awesome years! They didn't play a boring,bad, dull song all set. I guess that the fact that it looked like most people had had gone in to a shower fully clothed would was testament to a great performance!
zunocera
Awesome show!!! The opening bands were great too, especially the Dentrites. My wife and I had a great time. It was the perfect venue. I hope they come back soon!
scott-harlan
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