Tag: xyz

XYZ are a late 80’s rock band originally from France but later relocated to LA. Originally, they only released two great albums, of which this is the second. They went out on tour to support with Foreigner and then, goodbye. In their short existence as a recording band they sure had a few members pass through, and (I think) the great Marc Diglio plays guitar on the album, although when playing live I think it was Tony Marcus.

Yup, this is another band where if they had been five years earlier they would have been huge. They had all the tunes and boy, could they play. The only song here that’s not their own is a cover of Free’s Fire And Water, and it’s the weakest track on the album. That’s not to say it’s a bad version, it’s not, it’s just all the originals are so good.

I play this album a lot and the CD is in the car right now. Favourite track? That’s a tough one…Face Down In The Gutter, Don’t Say No, When The Night Comes Down, Feels Good, Shake Down The Walls, and HH Boogie are all bonafide genre classics but I’m going for the full on double kick blast of The Sun Also Rises in Hell where Terry Ilous shows off his Ronnie Dio side and the guitar just rips.

Great record if you can find a copy, go get one.

9.5/10 from The Grooveman.

The band started out in France but moved to LA in ’84, but it wasn’t until ’89 that they were signed to Enigma and put out their self titled debut. The only name that some of you maybe familiar with is singer, Terry Illous, who sang with a version of Great White for a while. A very classy melodic rock band that play well written and composed tunes with big hooks and great riffs.

Maggy gets things underway, and it’s a great tune with great harmonies and a killer solo. Next Up is Inside Out, a slow groover with a great hook and riff, and a sing-a-long chorus. What Keeps Me Loving You follows, and as the title may give away, is a ballad. Very reminiscent of Journey around the Frontiers period, and Illous’ voice really shines in this song – a big shout out to axeman Marc Richard Diglio for a very tasty solo. Take What You Can mosey’s on in with guitar gymnastics and a huge monster riff – it’s the fastest tune so far. Follow The Night has the blues at its heart with a slow deep groove. Come On N Love Me is my favourite track on the album. It starts with a nice tapped guitar, and leads into a great riff and sleazy groove. Souvenirs is ballad number two. Tied Up has a very nice chugga style riff with a nice hook and groove. Nice Day To Die is next up and the riff and groove is an Iron Maiden style gallop. The album closes out with After The Rain, and it’s ballad number three – that’s one too many. A really good band with a great production by Don Dokken, but too many ballads.

8/10 from The Grooveman.