Lawn Mower Man

Arranger: Rob the Viking.
Swollen Members' Shane Bunting (aka Mad Child), came head to head with his drug addictions on his last solo outing, Dope Sick, and now, after kicking his habit, the Vancouver rapper is determined to show that he is as sharp and hardcore as ever on Lawn Mower Man. With the exception of the introspective, gospel choir-infused "It Gets Better," most of the songs focus on his skills and his lack of remorse for cutting down anyone who gets in his way ("Chainsaw," "Lawnmower Man.") For the title track, Mad Child's confidence overflows as he compares his ability to overcome to that of a superhero ("My testosterone is right through the roof/but I am sober now, I'm Percocet and Vicodin proof/Superbeast! I'm in a total zone/take a shot of cortisone/leap tall buildings and I bench-press motor homes"). Braggadocious as it is, like Eminem on Recovery, it's a relief to hear the wordsmith renewed with a clear state of mind and a fierce sense of purpose. ~ Jason Lymangrover