NOVA REX – Rock Star Roadshow (2017)
Founded in the ’80s by L.A. resident axe-man J.P. Cervoni and bass player Kenny Wilkerson, NOVA REX was one of the hottest melodic hard rock acts in Hollywood. The band remained active all over the years with up and downs, and now are back 2017 with a brand new CD titled “Rock Star Roadshow“.
Nova Rex debut Blow Me Away gained cult devotion among Melodic Hard Rock / AOR aficionados, and rightly so, leading to the band – despite not signed by a major label – being ranked in the top 50 of the Greatest Hair Bands of the ’80s by VH-1.
Fast forward 2017, Nova Rex style has evolved into a more mature sound, with stronger and an overall heavier approach yet polished as ever.
Opener ‘I Don’t Know’ is a guitar driven-hard rocker with some kind of late ’80s Motley Crue feel where Cervoni delivers a scorching solo. New singer Adrian “Felicia” Adonis feels energetic, with power but in control.
‘She’s a Bitch’ is a party ready rocker with a more classic hard rock delivery, then midtempo ‘Bosoms & Beer’ incorporates a groovy rhythm section.
The crunchy ‘Lock n’ Load’ is perhaps the more Nova Rex eraly-style song on the album, and one of my favorites. The chorus is strong and riffs edgy.
The bouncy ‘Seven’ recalls Motley again, ‘Break Away’ is quite melodic and catchy (another fav), while ‘Crank It Up’ is upbeat with a well crafted chorus akin the harder side of Trixter.
For the end the band delivers a US metal-styled anthem in ‘Metal Devastation’, cool stuff and with fun lyrics.
Nova Rex is a band that definitely knows how to have a good time while delivering high-energy, ’80s inspired US hard rock.
“Rock Star Roadshow” is an entertaining album with lots of nods to the glorious era for the genre, from songwriting & performances to the production sound.
Very Recommended
01 – I Don’t Know
02 – She’s a Bitch
03 – Bosoms & Beer
04 – Lock n’ Load
05 – Seven
06 – Break Away
07 – Crank It Up
08 – Metal Devastation
Kenny Wilkerson – bass
JP Cervoni – lead and rhythm guitars
Eddie Cruise – drums
Adrian “Felicia” Adonis – vocals
BUY IT !
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