CHEZ KANE – Chez Kane

9.5/10

CHEZ KANE - Chez Kane - 9.5/10

9.5/10

Summary

Frontiers Music
Release date: March 12, 2021

[spoiler title=’Metal Express Radio – Ratings Scale’ style=’default’ collapse_link=’true’]

10.0: Cannot be improved! Perfect, instant classic! Essential in any record collection.
9.5 – 9.9: Fantastic, spectacular and outstanding!
9.0 – 9.4: Amazing release! It just lacks that little extra spice to make it perfect.
8.5 – 8.9: Exceptional release! Will likely rank among top ten albums of the year.
8.0 – 8.4: Great release! It has many different qualities.
7.5 – 7.9: Above average! It is an enjoyable release.
7.0 – 7.4: It is not brilliant, but has many strong points.
6.0 – 6.9: It has its moments, but is not that strong.
5.0 – 5.9: Slightly above average, does not stand out. Good outweighs bad by just a little.
4.0 – 4.9: Just below average, bad outweighs good by just a little.
3.0 – 3.9: Mediocre. There might be a song or a performance that is enjoyable, but that is it.
2.0 – 2.9: Very weak! There might be a light at the end of the tunnel, too many flaws.
1.0 – 1.9: This release gives the word “terrible” new meaning.
0.1 – 0.9: Awful! Avoid at all cost. There is nothing good to say about this release.

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The Backstory

Danny Rexon is the front man for the Swedish Glam Metal act Crazy Lixx. Recently Danny was charged with scouting and producing new talent for Frontiers Music. Rexon felt what the music world was missing right now was an ’80s style, strong and confident woman that wasn’t afraid to tell and like it is, but also with the vulnerability to share her emotions and fears. The heyday for that kind of music had passed with Pat Benatar, Robin Beck, Vixen, Chrissy Steel, and Saraya. Enter Chez Kane.

Chez Kane is one of three sisters that head up the U.K.-based Melodic Rock group Kane’d. Not only was Chez throwing it down live with her band, but she was also laying down some killer vocal takes on her favorite ’80s tunes on her YouTube page. That’s where Rexon discovered her. Chez Kane’s self-titled debut was released on March 12, 2021.

[Watch our Chez Kane interview HERE]

The Album

Pulsing keyboards and soft alto sax is sure to take you back to the ’80s on “Better Than Love.” Kane has the cocksure attitude of Pat Benatar, mixed with the smoky pipes of Bonnie Tyler and Taylor Dane. “All Of It” is loaded with fist-pumping power riffs and a simple yet catchy chorus. “Rocket on the Radio” is a car cruising, wind in you hair, sing at the top of your lungs anthem. Although the story revolves around Chez hearing her first song on the radio, it’s an easily relatable track for those that grew up depending on the radio for the newest songs.

“Get It On” kicks up the passion as Chez isn’t looking for Mr. Right, but for Mr. Right Now. As much as Kane can get hearts pumping, she can also break them. On “Too Late For Love” Kane kicks her deadbeat lover to the curb for the last time. Rexon compliments her melodic tones perfectly on back-up vocals. You can’t go wrong with a catchy as hell ‘nah..nah…nah’ song, and that’s what “Ball N’ Chain” is. The riffs invoke a bit of Danger Danger and Bon Jovi while still remaining original.

“Midnight Rendezvous” has Chez back on the prowl for some good loving, and she’s not willing to wait. Brassy keyboard tones and driving drum beats lead the track “Die In The Name of Love.” This time it’s Kane’s heart that’s being broken. “Dead End Street” is as about as close as you get to a ballad on this album. It’s one of those tracks that would play in your favorite ’80s rom-com at the point where it seems hopeless that the destined lovers are never going to get together.

The Verdict

Chez Kane’s debut album is full of persuasive and dynamic vocal melodies, accented by confidence and passion. Each of the 10 tracks are single worthy. The lyrics and music are packed with love, emotion, heartbreak, lust, and tenacity. If Chez Kane and Danny Rexon are here to bring female fronted AOR back, consider it brought.

Tracklist

Better Than Love
All Of It
Rocket on the Radio
Get It On
Too Late For Love
Defender of the Heart
Ball n’ Chain
Midnight Rendezvous
Die in the Name of Love
Dead End Street

Author

George Dionne

George was a contributor here at Metal Express Radio, reviewing albums and conducting interviews, out of Massachusetts, USA. George has contributed to numerous music related websites and blogs, and even managed his own from 2004-2009. George's first assignment was covering a live show by the mighty GWAR. By contrast his later assignments featured Judas Priest, Van Halen, and Bon Jovi. George was also the front man for the South Eastern Massachusetts cover band Sound Tower from 2009-2015. Sound Tower played 300+ shows across MA and had two original songs on the Cape Cod radio station PIXY 103. George enjoys a good whiskey, scotch, and/or bourbon and fights crime in his spare time.
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