Metal Review: Crazy Lixx-Ruff Justice

Release Date: April 21, 2017

Label: Frontiers Music

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For the past decade, Swedish hard rock band Crazy Lixx have released a steady stream of quality music. Attempting to bring life to a genre that’s seen better days, Crazy Lixx has not only succeeded in those goals, but currently sits on top the throne as one of the most recognizable modern hair metal bands. After a tumultuous year in 2015, Crazy Lixx has reinvented themselves with a new lineup and has taken a fresh stab at their trademark 80’s style rock n’ roll. And for any of those worried that a lineup change compromises their knack for writing big choruses, catchy guitar riffs, and blazing guitar solos, you can rest assured – this album is good, real good.

Ruff Justice kicks off with the dark n’ dirty “Wild Child,” which after the first listen had me reaching for my guitar in an attempt to transcribe the song. I’ve always felt that the difference between “good” music and “great” music is that great music makes you want to get involved. Whether it makes you dance or makes you air drum, it lights a fire that not only gets you involved aurally, but involves you physically. The album continues firing on all cylinders with “XIII,” the lead single. Despite being a fantastically catchy track in its own right, a fun bit of trivia is knowing that this and 2 other songs on the album were written for inclusion in Friday the 13^th: The Game. And although Ruff Justice has several soundtrack songs, they don’t break the flow of the album at any point – in fact, the tracks could easily blend into any of the Crazy Lixx catalog. To prove this point, stuck smack dab in the middle of the track list is yet another soundtrack song, “Killer.” Opening with a slow, brooding acoustic guitar, you can almost picture yourself wandering through the foggy, dense woods, trying to make your way to safety. Before you know it, the song launches into a full-on headbanger. Arguably the standout track on the record, “Killer” is one of many examples of Crazy Lixx straying from their feel-good, party boy roots, to something a bit more substantial in theme.

Ruff Justice is proof that even when Crazy Lixx was down, they were far from out. In every song, I hear the influences of their forefathers. There’s a little bit of Ratt in “Walk the Wire,” a touch of Bon Jovi in “Live Before I Die,” long-time vocalist Danny Rexon seems to channel the great Kip Winger at times (especially in “Hunter of the Heart”), and guitarists Chrisse Olsson and Jens Lundgren have the chops to take on any of their guitar heroes. However, at the end of the day, Crazy Lixx has a sound that is uniquely theirs, and it shines on Ruff Justice. This is their best album since their major label debut New Religion, and I would proudly recommend it to anyone that enjoys a little rock n’ roll.

Austin Hannaleck

4.5/5 Stars

May 22, 2017

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Band Members:

Danny Rexon – vocals

Joél Cirera – drums

Jens Sjöholm – bass

Chrisse Olsson – guitar

Jens Lundgren – guitar

Cherry White – “Staring At The Sun” EP Review

Cherry White, a London based 4-piece seem to have mastered that age old combination of hard hitting songs and sublime technical musicality. Drawing from classic rock influences such as Fleetwood Mac and  The Raconteur’s, Cherry White have demonstrated they intend to rise to the lofty heights of their genre defining heroes.  

“Staring at the Sun” is a testament to their musical prowess and draws on a breadth of influences that make it a must listen.  “Drifter” the lead single of the EP is a brooding swamp rock anthem showcasing the feral nature of Donata’s vocals and Russell’s ferocious guitar licks. Donata’s vocal tone is somewhere between Stevie Nicks and Siouxsie Sioux giving it an anthemic quality reminiscent of 70s stadium rock. “Do It Better” helps to cement Cherry White’s position as a band of the future reliant on the sounds of the past. An air of post punk by way of Tango in the Night creates a interesting mix of musicality and fierce lyricism. Cherry White is able to also convey their musical message through a softer, acoustic approach.  “Angel” is one such song that evokes emotion through the thoughtful lyrics while still standing up musically. The true star of the song being Ralph on bass, showcasing a jazz element to his playing that lifts the song to another plain. The next track, “7 Days” could easily be a prime time Van Halen track, it has just the right amount of 80s shredding to make it truly enjoyable. In contrast “Blue Eyes” is supple piece with a highly effective build up, ending on a crescendo worthy of praise. On the theme of praise, “Staring At The Sun” the final track on the EP is a masterful demonstration of eloquent song writing and rhythmic technicality that further reinforces the transcendent quality of the band.

Each song adheres to the preconceived notion of classic blues rock but adds subtle twists to craft a truly unique sound. With anthems more suitable for stadiums than dimly lit clubs, Cherry White is on course to becoming a classic band in their own right .

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