PHIL X & THE DRILLS – POW! Right in the Kisser

First of all, props to Phil X for working so hard to build a name for himself in the music industry because it must not be easy, considering all the comparisons he’s faced in previous bands. He ain’t no Rik Emmett nor Richie Sambora, that’s for sure. But at this point, who the heck cares? Luckily, with Phil X & the Drills, he can shine on his own and let his creativity flow however it wants to go. What’s cool about Phil X & the Drills is the material sounds nothing like Bon Jovi, the band that featured Sambora on guitars before Phil X took his place in 2013. The songs on the band’s latest album, POW! Right in the Kisser (2025), have a punk / garage rock feel with really raw production. 10 years in the making, the album features an all-star lineup of drummers including Tommy Lee from Mötley Crüe, Ray Luzier from Korn, Jeremy Spencer formerly of Five Finger Death Punch, Tico Torres from Bon Jovi, and more.

The Good and the Bad

Let’s start off with the good. Phil X is an excellent guitar player and his playing on the album is incredible. He came up with some fascinating riffs, one of them was for the song, “Heal.” Another great track is “Find a Way,” which is a little funky and has a nice groove to it. On a side note, Torres plays drums for that track. “Moving to California” is very bright sounding, it’s melodic, and it has a memorable chorus. “You Sunk My Battleship” is darker, slower, heavier, and it sounds like nothing else on the album. Another standout track is “Broken Arrow,” which has a lot of heart and soul. “Way Gone (Beam Me Up, Scotty)” would work really well live with its punk rock attitude and raucous energy.

While the live aspect and sound of the record is greatly appreciated, POW! Right in the Kisser could’ve used a little bit more production to polish Phil X’s vocals because he doesn’t have the greatest singing voice in the world. Frankly, he sings the way he uses a talkbox, dull and lifeless. Then, again Johnny Rotten never had the greatest singing voice either. With the band’s punk / garage rock style of music, the attitude is more important than the melodic aspect of the singer’s voice. However, that’s also why the album suffers a bit. Phil X’s vocals are hard to listen to. Another problem with the album involves the lyrics. Songs like “I Love You on Her Lips” and “Feel Better” sound like they were written by a horny 15-year-old boy.

Final Assessment

Overall, Phil X & the Drills are an acquired taste. It has been said numerous times, but everyone hears things differently. One man’s trash can be another man’s treasure. There are probably people out there that like Phil X’s voice and there’s nothing wrong with that. One thing that listeners can easily agree with, however, is Phil X & the Drills are authentic and passionate about what they do. For those that are interested, give the band’s latest album, POW! Right in the Kisser, a chance!

Album Tracklist

1. Don’t Wake Up Dead
2. Fake the Day Away
3. Heal
4. Find a Way
5. Moving to California
6. You Sunk My Battleship
7. Seemed Like a Good Idea
8. Broken Arrow
9. I Love You on Her Lips
10. Feel Better
11. Way Gone (Beam Me Up, Scotty)

Band Lineup

Phil X – lead vocals and guitars
Daniel Spree – bass guitar and backing vocals
Brent Fitz – drums and backing vocals