FOX – Lucifer (2013)
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We have already presented here last year ex- Shakra’s singer Mark Fox own band FOX and their debut ‘2012’, now the Swiss vocalist returns with the sophomore effort “Lucifer” released today in Europe.
For this new CD Mark Fox enlisted a completely fresh studio line-up including Voodoo Circle’s drummer Markus Kullmann, ex- Primal Fear Tom Naumann on guitars and the highly requested Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69, Unisonic) not only handling bass, but also producing the whole thing.
You can hear the progress on all departments on this new recording, particularly the tight musicianship, not strange at all considering the talents involved.
Musically “Lucifer” is even more melodic than its predecessor fluctuating between European Melodic Hard Rock and bluesy-Hard stylings. Ironically, Mark’s voice now sounds more powerful, deeper, showcasing upfront his distinctive tone. Obviously Dennis Ward’s expert hands behind the desk has brought out the best Mark has to offer.
There’s no surprises here through these 11, well crafted songs: except the annoying opener / intro track “The Answer” with some Indian-sounding melody which seems to go nowhere, the rest of the material is easily enjoyable.
We have fast hard rockers in “Hang On Ruby” and last track “Right To The End” pumped by strong riffs and solid rhythm section, groovy bluesy rockers on the title track and “Gimme Your Love”, while interspersed in between the ballads “Back For More” (very nice in the Tesla way) and the piano filled “Too Young To Die” are quite compelling.
Fox goes for an Aerosmith-like vibe on “Nothing To Lose Tonight”, not bad at all, but the band is at their best on full Euro-type rock.
Also the more classic melodic rockers are really effective: the midtempo “I’ll Do It All Right” (I like this one a lot) recalls nineties Bonfire, the extremely melodic “I Can’t Sleep” bring to mind Fair Warning, while the highlight of the album “Wonderland” combines melody & power complete with monster bass lines, biting riffs and an explosive chorus.
“Lucifer” is a big step further for FOX.
Strong, unpretentious songs which rock solid and a much better production than the first album makes this CD a genuinely agreeable slice of European Melodic Hard Rock.
Recommended.
01 – The Answer
02 – Hang On Ruby
03 – Lucifer
04 – Back For More
05 – I’ll Do It All Right
06 – Wonderland
07 – Nothing To Lose Tonight
08 – Gimme Your Love
09 – Too Young To Die
10 – I Can’t Sleep
11 – Right To The End
Mark Fox (ex- Shakra) – vocals
Markus Kullmann (Voodoo Circle) – drums
Tom Naumann (ex- Primal Fear) – guitars
Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69, Unisonic) – bass & production
BUY IT !
www.cede.ch/de/swiss-cd/frames/frameset.cfm?aobj=1101473
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