M.A.D. EP cover

M.A.D. EP

Hadouken! · 2009

25 min · 6 tracks · indie rock

A frenetic blend of electronic rock and grime, pulsating with adrenaline and urban energy.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    M.A.D — The title track captures the raw energy and distinctive sound that defines the EP, blending heavy beats with catchy hooks that resonate in live performances.
  • →
    Something Very Bad — This track exemplifies the EP's darker undertones and showcases Hadouken!'s ability to merge aggressive lyrics with infectious rhythms.
  • →
    Ugly (dub mix) — The dub mix offers a fresh take on the original track, highlighting Hadouken!'s versatility and willingness to experiment with different sonic textures.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100
Lowland
Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases energetic tracks but relies heavily on remixes, affecting its overall cohesion.

What we noticed

  • The first track, 'M.A.D', features a driving beat and aggressive vocals that set a high-energy tone for the EP.
  • The second track, 'Something Very Bad', introduces a heavier electronic influence with distorted synths and rapid-fire lyrics.
  • Three of the tracks are remixes of 'M.A.D', each offering a different interpretation while maintaining the original's frenetic energy.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • high-energy party starter tracks
  • adrenaline-fueled dance floor vibes
  • remix variety for dynamic listening
  • short bursts of intense energy

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer long, immersive experiences
  • seek calm, soothing sounds

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in early 2009, M.A.D. EP marked Hadouken!'s transition from underground sensation to mainstream recognition, following their debut album, Music for an Accelerated Culture. This EP showcased a refined sound while continuing to push the boundaries of grindie, building on the momentum of their earlier hits.
Stylistic neighbors
Enter Shikari· The Prodigy· Crystal Castles

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 M.A.D 3:26
  • 2 Something Very Bad 3:04
  • 3 Ugly (dub mix) 4:08
  • 4 M.A.D (Detboi remix) 4:32
  • 5 M.A.D (Plastician remix) 4:10
  • 6 M.A.D (Phace remix) 6:19

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata