SideKixx

CD/DVD Review
http://www.hardrockhaven.net/reviews2008/jan08/Side%20Kixx%20-%20Talk%20of%20the%20town.php

Side Kixx
Talk of the Town
Retrospect Records

by Derric Miller
Staff Writer

Comments: When you gander at the CD cover for Side Kixx's 1988 re-release titled Talk of the Town, depicting a penguin leaving a limo along with a leggy lass and dressed as a high-brow man of the town, you'll at least understand the band has a sense of humor. But that's about all you get from the CD cover. In a word … CD cover art has come a long ass way since 1988. That aside, the music on Talk of the Town from this New Jersey based quartet is similar to bands like Trixter and Firehouse, with pumping guitar anthems and vocals that only true tenors can try to keep up with.

Guitarist Mike Peterson opens the CD with a catchy riff on "Talk of the Town." They will remind you a bit of Hurricane with the level of musicianship and high quality vocals, although singer Teddy Kotch isn't quite the talent Kelly Hansen is. This is just another great hard rock pop hit, with massive amounts of energy dripping from every note. Peterson's guitar solo is intense and fluid, and this is a strong introduction to the Side Kixx sound.

"In the Night" is next, another razor-sharp riffing song. It may remind you a bit of TNT at that time, with bubbly guitar leads and soaring vocals. They were probably influenced by Bon Jovi, but how couldn't they be, coming from New Jersey. The harmonies and background vocals are huge, and drummer Brian Peterson makes the song even stronger with massive drum fills. Another hit song that wasn't a hit.

The first slower composition is "Headin' for a Heartache." They don't tackle this type of song with quite the same fervor as the more upbeat ones. It's not bad, but the rest of the CD is better.

"Let It Go" is presumably a live track, because an announcer says, "We've got a great band for you now. Ladies and gentlemen … Side Kixx!" Kotch lets an opening wail, and they launch into a fiery, pounding rocker. The vocals are a bit too much up front in the mix, so all you really hear is vocals and drums. You'll find yourself skipping it on your second listen to the CD.

They get back on track with "No More (Getting' the Best of Me)." Instead of good times and partying, this is an edgier song. Kotch adds an element of anger to his delivery, and instead of making you want to drink beer and party, the song makes you want to pick a fight. Wicked cool song.

It all ends with "You Make the Rockin' World Go Round." (Side note: It's obvious Side Kixx hates the letter "G" because they abbreviate that letter in three of the eight songs.) Anyway … this is probably a shout-out to Queen, with triumphant shredding from Peterson on guitar and more manic drumming from the other Peterson. It's easy to hear why they were such a draw back in the day …

Talk of the Town is just another feel good look over your shoulder to yesteryear. If you liked Hair Metal back in the day, then you'll need to check out Side Kixx today.

Side Kixx 2008

Talk of the Town (Retrospect Records)

Track Listing:

Talk of the Town
In the Night
Headin' For A Heartache
Outta Love
Let it Go
(No More) Getting the Best of Me
She's a Runner
You Make the Rocking World Go 'Round

Attack Of The King Penguin

Released 10 July 2008

on Rectrspect Records

King Penguin is SideKixx. Always was.

At the end of the 80's as SideKixx began to attract a lot of attention, the singer and the Band began to grow apart. It was the end of an era. While the singer was M.I.A. the Band became restless. At rehearsals long time friend and crew chief Billy Phelps would belly up to the mic and jam with the Band. Eventually they started writing songs together and really started to vibe.

In the studio, the singer attempted to sing the songs written by Billy and the Band, but to no avail. After the Band had left a 12 hour studio session, the engineer and I had Billy stick around to give it a whack. The kid nailed down Tonka U, the first of songs written together, and it just felt right.

One night, in the fall of '90, SideKixx was performing at a venue that had become their "home turf". Like so many nights before, the room was filled with people who came to see their hometown band. Unaware of the tension that had been building, they were expecting a typical show. The stage became an ugly scene that night. I think it was actually built on top of a volcano!

After the seventh song, the original singer throws down the mic and storms off the stage. The Band and the crowd waited. After a minute of awkwardness Billy steps out of the crowd and up onto the stage. Picks up the mic, and the Band busted into some of the new songs they had written. They finished out the show and the crowd went absolutely nuts.

What you are about to hear are the songs that these three guys and their new singer created.

Joseph Reed, TRX Entertainment

SideKixx will be playing their new King Penguin CD live at ROCKLAHOMA 2008 on the Retrospect Records stage.

TRX Entertainment

Performance for performing artists