There exist good South African bands and there thrive great South African bands.

Hog Hoggidy Hog certainly fall in the latter category. Well over a decade into their collective career, vocalist George Bacon and posse continue to leave other ska-infused punk-rock outfits in their wake with the much-anticipated follow-up to the brilliance of 2004?s 'Oink'.

'Method To The Madness' has, by all accounts, been a long time coming and fans vast and varied have been reward for their agonising wait with an album worthy of all its pre-release hype. A fruitless endeavour awaits any critic who tries to unearth a negative aspect to the 14-song epic.

'Scene Police' kicks off the magnificence with an in-your-face ode to the country?s fickle music scene the band have for so long been apart of and had to put up with, after which 'Begging For Change' provides a trumpeted curtain-raiser the trombone-tickled dissection of 'Who Is To Blame'.

'Can Of Worms' and 'The Cult' admirably make up the numbers before the CD's standout track, 'Sherry Ann', unleashes a slew of welcome bedlam characteristic of trumpeter Lee Lips and trombonist Ross McDonald?s prowess on their respective musical weapons of choice.

'Empty Spaces' brings to the fore the band's penchant for the occasional mellow song and 'Opium For The Masses' sees a triumphant amalgamation of African tribal beats and modified punk-rock.

'Tourope' chronicles the six-piece brotherhood?s experiences in Amsterdam and beyond, with 'John And Phillippps Song' provides a familiar, fitting end to a truly sensational release.

Sticking to their roots regardless of temptation to the so-called 'sellout' regime, Hog Hoggidy Hog deserve more acclaim than they sporadically muster. That won?t bother them though, there?s method to their madness?.

Our reviewer rates this album highly, but what do you think of Hog Hoggidy Hog's latest effort?