Comments:
Among the numerous releases of established rock ladies such as Lee
Aaron, Lita Ford, Luba, Aina, Gudrun Laos or female fronted bands
such as Witness, Headpins or Heart, Alexa's debut didn't attract much
attention. Produced by Paul Sabu (KIDD GLOVE, SHANIA TWAIN, TERI TIMS,
KOUROSH, HEART, SILENT RAGE, ALICE COOPER, etc.), one would expect
otherwise. However, Alexa wasn't unknown in the Bay Area and rocked
through L.A.'s and San Francisco's club scene for some years. The
significance of this insiders' tip changed immediately when the very
limited re-issue of Alexa's 1989 same-titled release sold out promptly,
not to be re-released again. Especially England was at her feet, and
rumour spread throughout Europe soon after. Instantly, the powerful
debut CD was appreciated with prices on eBay soaring to $150 and more.
Finally a label took the step to re-issue this gem.
Checking
the line up of this CD, insiders will start to tremble. Elusive names
from pomp's finest outfit ONLY CHILD, being present, most of you will
start to drool. Indeed, the cast that recorded the ultimate pomp dream:
the self titled debut of Sabu's best recording ever! But without further
ado, the final note of significance: the powerful roaring voice of
Alexa Anastasia herself!
This
girl can shout! Think of Joanna Dean blended with the most powerful
pop queen Anestacia can do! Alexa simply tops all with her immense
power and passionate performance. All of that combined with the powerful
shredding and lightning fast playing of Paul Sabu and the swirling
pompous keyboard playing of Tommy Rude, and you have one of the finest
rock albums of the eighties. Not one weak song on this amazing debut
CD.
Whether
you want it full frontal or you want it more relaxed and ballad-esque,
Alexa offers the best of both worlds. Blistering melodic fury in "Let
it Rock" and "Heart to Heart" with its loud raging
vocals, or pompous and straight forward in the opener "I Can't
Shake You". "Dance the Night Away" with its swirling
and pompous choirs in close harmony with Sabu's unmistakable guitar
sound. All kept together by the hammer-hard foundation of Esposito's
loud powerdrumming, and Maglio's pumping bass sound. "Wanderlust"
established Alexa fame in the UK instantly with its raging keys. Other
fine moments are the amazing rock ballad "A Cry Away" with
its soaring heartfelt vocals. Definitely one of Alexa's most amazing
moments, spreading intimacy and emotion with sheer passion. "From
Now On" with its intimate setting, to explode into a roaring
uptempo keyboard driven semi-ballad with large pumped choirs and a
heavy bridge. Shape shifting with emotion and power, over and over.
Or the truly great cover version of Atlanta's Rythm Section's classic
"Spooky" which grows into a keyboard driven bluesy power
pomp rocker.
"We
Don't Remember Why" is action packed and has a 'sticky' ear mingling
chorus that haunts you for many years to follow. A track that is by
far best Sabu has recorded and produced, making even Only Child's
finest moments sound bleak.
We
must be truly grateful for MTM Classix to re-issue this mighty piece
of pomp rock history, an album that bears the mark of true greatness.
The powerful pompous sound of Sabu's arena rock sound shoots this
album into orbit, while Alexa delivers the extras with her amazing
blues rooted powerful voice. And yeah! We have some great news as
well! Alexa has touched base with Hardrock Haven to inform us about
the future and upcoming recording of brand new material! Keep your
eyes skinned for the ins and outs on our Hardrock Haven pages people
...
www.mtm-music.com
Line-Up:
Alexa Anastasia - vocals
Paul Sabu - guitars, production
Tommy Rude - keyboards
Murrill Maglio - bass
Charles Esposito - drums
Additional Background Vocals: Devon Meade
HRH
Rating: 9.5/10
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