Blog Post
Crazy Lixx - 'Two Shots At Glory'
Album Review by Laura DQ • 11 February 2024
Ever heard of Crazy Lixx? Until a couple of weeks ago, neither had I; Pretty shameful really, given these hard rocking Swedes have been churning out their 80s influenced bangers for some 20 years. They’ve been around so long, in fact, that they’re now set to release their first compilation, ‘Two Shots of Glory’ on the 16th February. Not a traditional best of or greatest hits, the album is a mix of the old, the new and the borrowed. An ideal starting point then, for newcomers like me and an irresistible curiosity for long-term fans who will undoubtedly want to hear how some of these tracks have been reimagined.
Housed in a cinematic cover that sees the band posing as gunslingers, the compilation has been preceded by videos that present the tracks as unofficial soundtracks to movies from the 80s and 90s. Appropriate for a band who, despite forming in 2002, seem gloriously out of step with anything from that era, instead echoing a time when choruses were big and the hairdos even bigger. The influence of Def Leppard oozes through every hook and glossy harmony vocal, particularly noticeable in the catchy ‘Fire It Up’ and strutting new track ‘Invincible’. The latter has a chorus so uplifting, so empowering, that you might picture yourself atop a hill, standing triumphant over your enemies (or maybe that’s just me!).
Crazy Lixx seemingly have the recipe for rock anthems sussed with every track sounding like a potential single. ‘Two Shots At Glory’ is fast-paced, full throttle and boasts the first of many blistering guitar solos. ‘Lights Out!’ blazes with attitude, the snarling backing track to a brawl. ‘Ain’t No Rest In Rock N’ Roll’ conjures more of an AC/DC vibe; a no-nonsense rocker built on a driving riff and memorable chorus, guaranteed to generate much head-banging and foot stomping. Danny Rexon’s vocals are more gritty here, and the hard-riffing momentum is maintained through ‘In The Night’. ‘Whiskey Tango Foxtrot’ is a real standout with unusual call and response verses leading to a ridiculously catchy refrain, WTF indeed!
The theatrical ‘Sword and Stone’, apparently rejected for KISS album ‘Crazy Nights’ and subsequently recorded by German band Bonfire is delivered with such conviction that it’s hard to believe it’s not a Crazy Lixx original. ‘Only The Dead Know’ is the obligatory power ballad, but it’s no soppy love song and injects some diversity into an album dominated by party starters. The adrenaline rush of ‘Sympathy’ and celebratory ‘Church Of Rock’ bring the volume back up in spectacular fashion.
Given that seven of the twelve tracks here have been drawn from 2012 album ‘Riot Avenue’, it’s fitting that this compilation concludes with the track of the same name. It's another tune made for arenas, if only people had better taste!
Ever heard of Crazy Lixx? You have now. Do yourself a favour and check out 'Two Shots At Glory' from Friday.
Crazy Lixx is:
Danny Rexon - vocals
Joél Cirera - drums
Jens Anderson - bass guitar
Chrisse Olsson - guitar
Jens Lundgren - guitar