ESSEXX: We Make It Rock ’85 + STRYDER: Nothing At All ’84 [digitally remastered] (2022)

Metallic Blue Records is releasing today for the first time on CD the recordings from ’80s Utah-based female fronted melodic hard rock act ESSEXX, whom previously operated under the name STRYDER.
As STRYDER, the band manged to release the private LP “Nothing At All” in 1984, now here augmented with several bonus tracks previously unreleased. Then the band changed its name to ESSEXX and the musical delivery was even more commercial and catchy. Their mini-album ”We Make It Rock” from 1985 (produced by Ronnie Montrose) is featured here alongside a couple of live tracks.
The colorful lead vocals of Laurie Welker and the sharp riffs / solos from Gilbert Rodriguez (who later was part of hard rockers Bad Boys) should have been enough for ESSEXX / STRYDER to get signed by a major label.
There’s a lot of hooks, catchy refrains and very good musicianship on offer here, mid-80s US stuff that finally sees the light. Finely produced, this remaster brings clarity to these dusted tapes.
Highly Recommended

Disc 1; Essexx – We Make It Rock 1985
01 – We Make It Rock
02 – No Answer
03 – Hungry
04 – Raisn’ Hell
05 – Got to Be More
06 – Love’s the Answer
07 – Jury’s Out
08 – Are You for Reals (Stryder Live)
09 – Crusades (Stryder Live)

Disc 2; Stryder – Nothing At All 1984 + prev unreleased
01 – It’s Rock ‘n Roll
02 – Nothing at All
03 – Serious Looks and Dangerous Smiles
04 – Casualty
05 – Standin Still
06 – Your Kind of Game
07 – Dance
08 – Solo
09 – Chance Dancer
10 – Start Again
11 – Nothing Sacred
12 – Dreamer
13 – Fit to Be Tied
14 – I’ll Get By
15 – Just Try and Stop Us
16 – Papa
17 – Princess in a Tower

Laurie Welker – Lead Vocals
Gilbert Rodriguez – Guitar, Backing Vocals, Keyboards
Chris Clary – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Ron Jensen – Bass
Kevin Freebairn – Drums, Backing Vocals

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