EXIT – Distressed (’80s / ’90s recordings) [2005] *HQ* Rare

Now here’s a rarity: “Distressed“, which seems to be the only album by EXIT, a melodic hard rock act from Illinois. There isn’t too much fo about the band or this private release. Apparently EXIT formed in the Eighties, recorded some music, also in the ’90s, and finally in the mid-2000’s managed to release this album by themselves.
One thing is for sure; the guys in EXIT love classic melodic hard rock / AOR form the American classic era, and showcase their influences. As example, songs like ‘Rise Out of You’ and ‘You Feel Right’ have an unmistakeable Danger Danger feel circa 1990, then there’s a bit of Slaughter on the anthemic ‘Stand Up’, and for AORsters “Sea of Love” brings to mind 1986 White Sister, complete with synth flurries.

The classic sounding ‘Towards the Sun’ evoke the very first Tesla, there’s a bit of Jet Red on the upbeat ‘Change’, while a strong melody drives the AOrish ‘Runaway Missy’ alongside cool keyboards. Dirtier rock n’roll is ‘She Gives What Shes Got’ compared to Ugly Kid Joe, and closer, the broken, rocking ‘Home Alone’ has a riff which somehow reminds a Saigon Kick tune.

Despite being recorded at various periods of time and self-managed, “Distressed” is a cohesive, well recorded, well written album with the Eighties in mind. Well worth the addition to your American melodic hard rock collection.
Rare. Highly Recommended

01 – Different Days
02 – Rise Out of You
03 – Stand Up
04 – Towards the Sun
05 – Change
06 – Runaway Missy
07 – You Feel Right
08 – Sea of Love
09 – She Gives What Shes Got
10 – Home Alone

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