Whiteman came across the sea…
… and brought with him copious amounts of lace and whiskey (Alice Cooper anyone?). Jaunty tunes to “wave your hands in the air, like you just don’t care” to.
For the uninitiated, this is Kix.
I remember these guys the first time around but gave them little attention. Listening to this, maybe I should’ve.
What we have here my pretties is a two-disc set of the “Blow My Fuse” album which was originally released in 1988, an eye- watering 30 years ago. Disc one is called “Fuse 30 Reblown, (inventive don’t cha think?)
and contains the whole record remixed and remastered. Disc two contains the “Blow My Fuse” original demo recordings.
A chance to re-live the glory days with those oh so naughty but nice boys, Kix. It takes some moxie to get back on the proverbial horse and play to 20,000 people after an extended hiatus, but these guys have pulled it off (oh I say steady on!) immaculately.
As their titles suggest, disc one is more polished, offering clarity and precision. A joy to listen to. Disc two is also a joy to listen to. Although it doesn’t have the sparkly, glittery feel of its twin, it has a depth and rawness that adds character to the band and their music.
Opener “Red Lite, Green Lite, TNT” gets things going rather nicely. You’ll have to keep up as I can’t seem to find the brakes.
“She’s out tonight, she’s dynamite” lyrics to sing out loudly and unashamedly, words that titillate, as opposed to shock. Steve Whiteman sounds fantastic – he’s got what I call “whiskey vocals” like Spike from The Quireboys. The blistering pace continues with “Get It While It’s Hot” proper get on down bar room boogie. The guitar twangles and the keyboard jingle jangles, as you are jet propelled onto the dance floor. Good ‘ol foot stomping rock; I defy anyone to sit still, with arms folded and listen quietly.
“I’ll scratch your back, give you a heart attack”, lyrics to melt a girl’s heart (sigh…swoon).
So, we dance our way into “No Ring Around Rosie” and scream ecstatically at the lyric “shake her hips and make a blind man blush”, these guys exude youthfulness, gay abandon, and fun and frolics by the truckload.
Songs about hot dates and cold beers, would offend any self- respecting feminist, but these songs are meant to be fun, and tongue-in-cheek even (excuse the pun). I’ll be honest I was a little bit unsure about this type of rock, but I’ve grown old disgracefully.
Fourth song in and we take a breather for the ultimate rock power ballad. Every rock album needs this. There is an exceptional dynamism and truth in “Don’t Close Your Eyes”, both in the lyrics and the voice. Maybe I wrote them off too early, but hey I was young, I knew everything, didn’t I?
I’m glad this has been re-released; it will cement the loyalty and determination of older fans, and it will most definitely attract new blood.
“She dropped me the bomb” screams Steve, as he races headlong down the metaphorical highway to get his message across.
Next, we have my favourite “Cold Blood” a stupendous, rip roaring chorus, accompanied by an astounding guitar riff.
I love the line “Good love is all you need; Cold Blood is all you bleed”. Just bloody marvellous!
In “Piece Of The Pie “you will find innuendos galore, not for the faint hearted or the mean spirited. Evocative of Poison, Faster Pussycat and LA Guns, hitting a little below the belt, but then, someone has to. Kix do it with style. “Boomerang” has a mouth organ introduction that gravitates to The Quireboys-what a great band they are too. This is what I would call “Majorette Music”- music to twirl your baton to- ooer missus!
Have you heard the one about the actress, the bishop and the chiffon blouse? You have? Well listen again, Kix style.
The title track “Blow My Fuse” has the inimitable line “Start a fire in my electric chair, cross my wires, light up my hair” such poetry – Shakespeare would be dead proud. I salute any band that can last this long and still draw the crowds in. Nice one lads!
The record ends with “Dirty Boys”, forthright, candid, with a hint of ZZ Top, partnered with rollicking riffs, frantic fretwork, diabolical (in a good way) drumming and crazy keyboards.
The demos on disc two are not as pristine as disc one, but this does not mean they are below par. Contrarily, it shows the endeavour and musicianship that is required before an artist can commit to recording.
For die hard Kix fans, this is a must have; preferably on CD in its tangible form, but I know that the current trend is to download from the nether world. For everyone else, maybe you could offer this little gem a home.
I think that 80’s rock still has a viable place in the music scene today. With so many genres, there is room enough for everyone to eat at the same table, if we don’t go around punching each other in the arm.
A welcome return for big hair, big guitar riffs and even bigger kicks! Yes, indeedy doo-dah!
Rock ‘n Roll banter at its best, oozing wit and sarcasm.
This is the record that you need to play from start to finish, in order, no jumping in and out, just go with it.
Hear every note, every word and get your kicks with Kix! Sorry, I just had to get that in.
Kix – Fuse 30 Reblown (two-disc set) out on 21st September on Loud & Proud Records.
Fuse 30 Reblown was remixed by Beau Hill (Alice Cooper, Ratt, Warrant, KIX)