This is KIX’s third album, released in ’85, they hit gold with this and the one that came next, Blow My Fuse. I was a big fan of the first album and the brat rock attitude that ousted from the grooves. This album on the other hand is very commercial sounding, produced by Beau Hill.
You can’t keep a good AC/DC riff down, and opener Midnite Dynamite reminds big time of the down under rockers, albeit with a very catchy hook and chorus – it’s my favourite track. Red Hot (Black & Blue) is a slowed down rocker and again, that hook and chorus are great – sooo catchy. Bang Bang (Balls Of Fire) follows and has sleazy riff. This band are all about the big sing-a-long chorus, and this track is no exception. The tempo increases somewhat with the fast blast of Layin’ Rubber, a great welcome injection of pace. Side 1 closes out with Walkin’ Away and it’s a super cheesy ballad.
Normal service is resumed with Side 2 opener Scarlet Fever. It’s the full on stomp rock groove that they do so well with added solo by Mike Slamer. A cool opening to Cry Baby and a return to first album brat rock vibes. Cold Shower tries something a little different with a funk groove and gang vocals. Lie Like A Rug is up next and has Anton Fig on the drums. I have to say there is a touch of the Stones’ Satisfaction to parts of this song. The album closes out with Sex, a sleazy barroom rocker.
A fun album that I haven’t played in a long while.
8.5/10 from The Grooveman.
