I know nothing about this band apart from the fact that Vic Zino, who I've had the pleasure of getting to know, was the original guitar player, and the fact that they're Swedish! I believe this is their second album after creating a stir with the first back in 2007.

'Rock In A Hard Place' kicks things off with a very Ratt inspired guitar lick, which moves into a mid stomper; great bridge to chorus and a great chorus. I couldn't tell you what the fuck sleaze rock is but I guess this is about the closest I imagine it to be. That said I felt some inspiration coming from Def Leppard, especially evident on 'My Medicine' but this is by no means a negative comment. The arrangement, backing vocals, all very very Leppard influenced. Great rock. Actually I think Leppard have forgotten how to do this stuff so Crazy Lixx should write a few tunes for the Leps!

The strong guidance from producer Chris Laney is very evident and shows just what a talent Chris really is, he can really work magic. '21 Till I Die' carries on the theme that you've come to expect three songs in. 'Blame It On Love' is a power ballad, again great hooky chorus, then into a sleazetastic mid tempo chug by the way of  'Children Of The Cross'. Love the riff into 'Witching Hour' and the rest of the song doesn't disappoint at all. 'She's Mine' sounds like it was written as a bit of a 'throw away' party song that kinda drops the feel of the album. If this song was second song on the album I think it would have been given a better chance than where it's placed. It's a good kinda 'party' song but I felt it didn't live up to the mature sound of the rest of the disc. And so to the album's 'proper' ballad, 'What Of Our Love'.

 
There really isn't a negative thing to say about this album. A really great collection of fine rock tunes that are melodic and well crafted. Not quite AOR as it's got plenty of balls and a great production job by Chris Laney. I will certainly keep an eye out for the Crazy Bunch. The thing I would say is the name belies the promise of the band. It's something bands of this genre suffer with, the name tells you something and they end up sounding far better than the name says they deserve. Buy it.

www.myspace.com/crazylixxmusic