Crazy Lixx started life in Malmo Sweden in 2002. Along with bands like Crashdiet, Hardcore Superstar and Vains Of Jenna they were labelled as part of the "New Wave Of Swedish Sleaze". The band released the well received "Loud Minority" in 2007. Now they are back with Chris Laney in the producer's chair to "beat the living s**t out of Loud Minority with these new songs".
I can't speak about Loud Minority, but on this release the band have defined a sound that recalls 80s hard rock more than sleaze. Inspiration comes from the likes of Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Skid Row and Poison.
Crazy Lixx have indeed created a good set of 80s inspired tracks that have a big chorus and rock out in all the right places. In that respect the band evoke comparisons with Def Leppard. As well as using Def Lep vocal arrangements on tracks like "My Medicine" and "Witching Hour", production is a integral part of the album, just like on Lep albums such as Hysteria. Maybe the production is even a little to slick.
However, it is hard to find fault with this album, the band seems to bring a fresh energy into this style of music. Yes, it has been done before by the likes of Poison, Leppard, Jovi, Winger and Aerosmith, but its 2010 and these guys are dishing up a set of tracks that feel like "selected highlights" from the 80s.
Rating: 4 stars
