BUXX – Knickers Down [self re-release remastered +1] (2017)
Hailing from Buffalo, NY (the same hometown as Duke Jupiter, Bruce Turgon and Lou Gramm) came this Melodic Rock / AOR band called BUXX. Formed in 1981, they played all around the US Northern states and Canada, and were signed with the small label Panther Records for the release of their 6-track miniLP ‘Knickers Down’ the following year.
These songs plus other unreleased appeared some years ago via Retrospect Records, but now the band has released the complete “Knickers Down” sessions fully remastered.
Originally recorded in 1982, the band’s plan was to release an LP, but the label only authorized a 6-track EP or ‘mini-LP’ as it was named band in the day. An EP was a common practice in those years for novel groups to ‘taste the waters’ reception.
Now, on this re-release, we have the opportunity to listen these previously unreleased tracks, plus the extra song ‘Out On The Rocks’, originally part of the 82 EP but not included into the previous Retrospect reissue.
“Knickers Down” has achieved cult status between fans & collectors, as the musical style here is typical ’80s hooky Melodic Rock / Radio-friendly AOR with the occasional injection of Pomp rock.
Compared to Loverboy, Fortnox, Redvette, Boston, Van Halen or The Tubes, the songs are undeniably catchy, with wonderful melodies and big harmony vocals wrapped in a very good production for an indie.
Essentially Buxx have a basic melodic / hard guitar riff based sound with an injection of keyboards to round things out.
More than a nostalgic trip back to the golden AOR era, “Knickers Down” is a very good recording with a consistently high quality songwriting.
We have that magical keyboard / guitar interplay throughout the songs and a variety of lead vocals as three of the band members also sing, delivering lovable harmonies.
Remastered from the original master tapes with additional, never heard tracks from the original recording sessions, Buxx’s “Knickers Down” is a treat for any ’80s AOR / Melodic Rock fan.
Highly Recommended
You’ve seen it first here, at 0dayrox
01 – Not This Time
02 – Don’t Blame You
03 – Are You Alone Tonight
04 – Can’t Say No
05 – Hangar 18
06 – Where Are You
07 – Free To Rock
08 – Take You Back Anyway
09 – No Way Outta Here
10 – Get Wise
11 – Out On The Rocks [reissue Bonus Track]
Martin Victor – lead vocals, keyboards
Paul Gallop – lead vocals, bass
Bob Norman – lead vocals, guitars
Tommy Smith – drums
Alan Desgrange – drums
BUY IT !
www.facebook.com/KnickersDown/
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