Mad Marge & the Stonecutters are an American psychobilly band from Victorville, California. Originally active from the mid-2000s to around 2010, the band earned recognition in the global psychobilly scene for its energetic sound and charismatic frontwoman, Alicia âÂÂMad Margeâ Romero. In 2021, the group reformed under the new name Mad Marge and The Troublemakers.
The band formed around 2004 in the High Desert area of California. The original lineup included Alicia Romero (vocals), Matt Romero (guitar), Edgar Villareal (double bass), and Dan Carlton (drums). They quickly built a following in the U.S. psychobilly underground, known for high-energy shows and Ridenour's powerful stage presence.
Their self-titled debut album was released on Baseline Music, Hairball Records, and El Chupacabra Records in the mid-2000s, and was reissued on vinyl in 2023.
In 2007, the band released their second full-length album, Liberated!, on People Like You Records. The album included tracks like âÂÂDial Z for a Zombieâ and âÂÂDrove Me Mad,â showcasing a rawer, more melodic side of psychobilly with punk influences.
They gained a following beyond the U.S., touring internationally and playing festivals in Europe. The band was praised for combining psychobilly's edge with accessible songwriting and a strong visual identity.
By the early 2010s, the band became inactive. In 2021, Alicia Romero, along with original members Matt Romero and Edgar Villareal, returned to the stage under the new name Mad Marge and The Troublemakers. The new lineup includes:
Their first release as The Troublemakers was the single âÂÂElectric Loveâ in 2021, followed by the digital EP Second Time Around in 2022. In late 2022, they released the full-length album ItâÂÂs a Mad, Mad World, available digitally and later on coloured vinyl in 2023.
The band's sound mixes classic psychobilly upright bass and rockabilly rhythms with punk aggression and anthemic choruses. Ridenour's vocal styleâÂÂby turns gritty and melodicâÂÂset the band apart in a scene historically dominated by male-fronted acts.
Tracks like âÂÂShake,â âÂÂHardest Thing,â and âÂÂWeight of the Worldâ illustrate their range from psychobilly stompers to emotional punk ballads.