Album Review: Poison Ladder by Tadpole Fad
Released in 2004 under Arkain Records, Poison Ladder is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. It’s not trying too hard to be groundbreaking—it just kind of is. Hailing from the US and blending post-rock with indie rock vibes, Tadpole Fad delivers an understated yet memorable experience. With credits like Mike Maines handling recording, mixing, and mastering duties, it’s clear they weren’t messing around when it came to production quality. And let’s give a nod to Vonne Smith for pulling double duty on bass and vocals; dude had range.
The album kicks off with “Tough Shit,” which immediately grabs your attention—not because it’s flashy but because it feels raw and real. The guitar work by Brent Delventhal has this gritty edge to it, while the rhythm section (shout-out to Smith and drummer Hank McAfee) locks into something hypnotic. What sticks with me about this track isn’t any single moment—it’s more the overall mood. It’s got this driving energy that makes you wanna roll down the windows and crank it loud, even if you’re just stuck in traffic.
Then there’s “Bunny Says No.” If I had to pick one song from Poison Ladder that’ll stay stuck in my head, this would be it. There’s something haunting yet playful about the way the vocals sit over the instrumentation. You can tell these guys were experimenting a bit here—maybe pushing themselves out of their comfort zone—and it pays off. The shifts between softer passages and explosive crescendos feel earned rather than forced. Plus, whoever thought naming a song after what sounds like a rejected children’s book title deserves some credit.
Artwork by Hank McAfee gives the album cover a DIY charm that matches the music perfectly. Paired with David Gordon’s photography, the visuals tie everything together without feeling overly polished or pretentious. This isn’t an album made by people chasing trends—it’s made by folks who clearly love making music.
Looking back at Poison Ladder, it’s kinda wild how unassuming it is. It doesn’t scream "classic" or demand your undivided attention—but maybe that’s why it works so well. In a world full of bands trying way too hard to impress, Tadpole Fad reminds us that sometimes all you need is solid tunes and a bit of heart. Oh, and fun fact: rumor has it the band broke up shortly after releasing this gem. Go figure. Guess they left it all on the table with Poison Ladder.
Recorded, mixed and mastered March 13 & 14 at Arkain Studios.
Interesting fact about Album
Here’s something cool: The album *Poison Ladder* by Tadpole Fad is a hidden gem in the indie rock scene. Released in 2004, it blends post-rock and indie vibes seamlessly. What’s wild is how hands-on the team was—Mike Maines not only recorded and mixed the album but also mastered it. And get this: Vonne Smith pulled double duty, handling both bass and vocals. The track "Bunny Says No" alone makes it worth a listen!
