Burlington, VT rock & roll band Madison Project is certainly not the a cappella group of the same name from James Madison University at Harrisburg, VA or the conservative Political Action Committee that also has the same moniker. What this Madison Project has is a powerful united front that explodes off the disc with the very first song, the under-three-minute "Rock It" that has a terrific sliding guitar riff and an unforgettable hook which might have some objectionable lyrics hidden in between the phrasing. Strongly superb hard pop that has no jangle, just a heavy rhythm that makes you want to crank it to eleven. The band clearly burns through the set list with ease on this disc, and though not everything is up to the level of "Rock It," "Frequent Destroyer," and "Fallen," it's still very good, consistent rock & roll that doesn't let up. "Revolution" could be the fourth image that follows John Lennon's trilogy from the White Album, only this "Revolution" extends beyond the band's usual territory into a funk-derived quasi-ska lecture. "Burn It Down" is a heavy ballad that moves at its own slow pace, Ryan MacNeill's vocals appealing throughout this disc while Frank Aversa's production cleanly captures all that's going on. Smartly packaged and efficiently performed the group shows much potential with an edge and material that combines clever ideas with a good time vibe. "Masters Flying" is another key moment with wild abandon and a solid catch phrase. Absolutely built for college stations, some of these songs are good enough to compete with any of the notable bands in the marketplace and could easily fit on commercial radio. Fact is, commercial radio would be the better for it if "Rock It" or "Frequent Destroyer" get the opportunity to dance on the airwaves. Much of I Am the Target is right on target.
© Joe Viglione /TiVo