Tag: diamond rexx

Some bands can pull off the whole glam image really well, but others (like Diamond Rexx) look like a bad drag act on a Friday night bender. This album was Diamond Rexx’s debut album, released back in ’86 (on Island records nonetheless), and I really like it.

The production is quite raw and that works in the band’s favour as the guitar is nice and loud with the minimum of overdubs. Vocalist Nasty Habits has an Iggy Pop feel to his vocals and musically they are a glam version of Raven. Highlights are the metal romp of Cuz I Wancha; my favourite Up And Down, which has a nice solo from S. St. Lust, (*waits for everyone to stop giggling*); and the anthemic Rock Gun.

They were never going to reach the heights that they so obviously wished for, but their first album’s “let’s go do it” attitude is quite endearing.

7/10 from The Grooveman.

Diamond Rex are pne of a squillion bands that never quite made it as things didn’t quite fall into place. They fall between metal and glam, and they have actually released six albums of which this is number two. This album is really quite good and very entertaining.

Instant Medication gets the ball rolling with a great riff and guitar sound. Ladies Night is a killer tune with a fat juicy riff, and the groove is superb with a great swing. Easy Kill has a classic killer eighties riff and guitar sound. How Do You Know is the glam portion of the album and sonically it sounds quieter for some reason. Heartbreak City is a power ballad, but doesn’t quite hit the spot for me and is the weakest track. Side 1 closes out with Don’t Let It Get You Down, a sleazy glam rocker and when they play with a more metal attitude they do sound better.

4 Letter Word opens up Side 2. It has a solid riff and the solo is cool, but the vocal is weak in the lyrics. The Colour Red is my favourite track mainly due to the excellent guitar sound and the groove. Other than the excellent Lock It Up, the album sought of fades away ended with the cheesy boogie Bad Attitude.

The first album was on Island, then they were dropped and then they went to indie land, you can sort of see why.

6.5/10 from The Grooveman.