Crazy Lixx
New Religion
Label: Frontiers Records
Release date: 04.06.10
By Lana Cooper
We can thank Finns like The Rasmus and H.I.M. for a new generation of melodic, goth-tinted rock and it seems that the Swedes are carrying the sleaze metal banner high into the 21st century. It would be easy to mistake Malmo, Sweden's Crazy Lixx as holdovers from Los Angeles' fabled Sunset Strip, circa 1986 on their latest album, New Religion.
As it were, Crazy Lixx are all a bunch of young lads in their late 20s and early 30s. The quartet have been kicking around Sweden's thriving rock scene since 2002, spearheading the "New Wave of Swedish Sleaze" along with bands like Vains of Jenna and Crashdiet. Having undergone several personnel changes, it seems that they've finally solidified their lineup for good with the release of New Religion.
Danny Rexon's chameleon-like vocals adapt to each song. He maintains perfect pitch and holds unwavering, screaming high notes like his life depended on it. The sole common factor in each lineup permutation, Rexon has been the band's primary lyricist and song arranger. However, the new addition of 22-year-old guitarist, Andy Dawson has given him an assist on New Religion's songwriting duties.
Dawson was not Crazy Lixx's original guitarist, however. At one point, now-bassist Loke Rivano was once the group's guitarist -- a fact rather evident by Rivano's chugging thunder wagon of a bass acting almost like a second guitar on tracks like "The Witching Hour" and "Voodoo Woman."
On the flip side, Dawson's guitar work is reminiscent of Skid Row's Dave "Snake" Sabo. That's not the only thing that calls to mind shades of Crazy Lixx's sleaze metal forebears. The band pulls together impressive Def Leppard-style harmonies on "My Medicine" and "Blame It On Love." Additionally, the melodic "Rock and a Hard Place" feels somewhat Winger-esque. (To set the record straight, I love Beavis and Butthead as much as the next metalhead, but I beg to differ with them on the subject of Winger. I saw the band live a few years ago and can honestly say how impressed I was with their musicianship.)
"What of Our Love," an arena rock-ready power ballad, feels like old school Bon Jovi before ol' Jon started believing he was the bastard offspring of Frank Sinatra and the Marlboro Man. It's structuring is formulaic, adhering to the tried n' true verse-verse-chorus-breakdown-chorus before shifting things up an octave towards the end. However, it sounds so authentically and earnestly '80s metal that you gotta give the Crazy Lixx lads a free pass for it. The ballad still rocks hard and showcases a "softer side" to these bad boys that the Aqua Net set has sorely been lacking since the Sunset Strip went belly up over two decades ago.
Even with obvious sonic nods to the American bands they cut their teeth on as kids, Crazy Lixx has a rather distinctive sound. They're at their best on the album with "She's Mine," oozing sex thanks to a groove by way of hot, honky tonk piano and a horn section kicking up the track's sing-along chorus. It's an outstanding example of the poppy, feel-good, party aspect of the genre that makes it so sorely missed.
New Religion is a thoroughly enjoyable experience. It's classic '80s sleaze with a modern twist that's heavy on melody. Get on board with Crazy Lixx now and you just might be ready in case they swing by the States. Currently, the band is making their way through Sweden and Italy and playing European music festivals. However, with the popularity of Vains of Jenna and Crashdiet staking a foothold here in the U.S., the catchy songs of Crazy Lixx would be more than welcome to crazy the party here in the States.
Track Listing:
- Rock and a Hard Place
- My Medicine
- 21 Til I Die
- Blame It On Love
- Road to Babylon
- Children of the Cross
- The Witching Hour
- Lock Up Your Daughter
- What of Our Love
- Desert Bloom
- Voodoo Woman
