EP review by; Accidental Music Reviewer
Daxx and Roxane, the London based Rock n’ Roll powerhouse quartet who originate from Switzerland have just released a four track EP. “Drop” consists of four cover versions as a sweetener for their loyal fans in between album releases.
This high energy balls to the wall combo seems to have been on tour around the UK permanently since Covid restrictions were lifted. Festivals (of all sizes), support slots and a few headlining shows, these guys are everywhere.
This record contains the classic Stevie Wonder track “Superstition” and versions of songs by Rock Legend Sammy Hagar, Indie Heavyweights Florence and the Machine and seminal French band Telephone.
Daxx and Roxane have a growing reputation as die hard rockers who play hard and give everything they have when playing live. Their version of Hagar’s “Heavy Metal” has the D&R hard rock stamp all over it. Growling guitars with a deep, chunky rhythm, rousing chorus and Cedric’s melodic and screeching Rock God vocal delivery that marks him out as one of the most gifted front men on the scene right now. This track has a thumping backbeat and some serious face melting guitar solos. It has the essence of Sammy Hagar in the background, but the band have really put their own spin on it and I imagine this will bring the house down when played live.
Due to my age, upbringing and wide and varied musical tastes in music, “Superstition” is a song I have literally grown up with. It is probably in my top 25 favourite songs of all time. I have heard a few versions of it (mostly performed live) and I was keen to hear a proper hard rock version. I was not disappointed. It has a heavy rock groove with a strong funky undercurrent which does not pull any punches. This version is short, sweet and punchy, very punchy. Searing guitar playing from Cal Wymann and Simon Golaz really turn the heat up on this one. This will no doubt go down a storm at festivals because it is a song that the majority of people know and respect and D&R really do it justice with this melodic heavy rock version.
I am aware of Florence and the Machine’s work but I do not know “Delilah” as a song, so I listened to it as a true Daxx and Roxane number and I really liked it. This is a fast moving song with lots of layers and levels. It rises and falls between harmonious heartfelt vocals from Cedric and powerful heavy/classic rock sonic waves from his bandmates. This track has a real modern and up to date rock vibe to it. In parts it really soars and has a few subtle progressive hints in it. The production is amazing and this version has a rousing rock anthem feel to it. It delivers. Big time.
“Argent Trop Cher” by legendary French band Telephone has been translated into English for the first time (I believe). This track has more of a retro/vintage make up and Daxx and Roxane channel some real eighties hair metal stylings into the mix. You could be mistaken in thinking that this is a cover of a Whitesnake or Van Halen number, which is what it reminded me of.
As a four track EP on its own merit this is high octane, full throttle, take no prisoners rock and roll, and I love it. It is extremely entertaining and has to be played while “tonking it” down the motorway with the windows rolled down and the sun at your back.
All the die hard rockers out there will have a field day with this. It is no brainer record; just put it on, turn it up and revel in its simplicity and unadulterated rock and roll magnificence.
I know there are some out there who do not like cover versions, regardless. Some like me think they are great played live as a form of fun entertainment and a way for a band to experiment and express themselves. Finally there are the majority of people who just like good music regardless of its origin. After listening and really enjoying “Drop” I have to go along with the majority of my new found beliefs in cover versions. Especially if they are done like this. Daxx and Roxane have done an excellent job in interpreting these songs in their own impressive way and it pays off. I am going to be listening to this record a lot and I think all of you out there should do the same.
4 out of 5
Daxx & Roxane are; Cedric Pfister - vocals / bass Cal Wymann - guitars Simon Golaz - guitars / harmonica Luca Senaldi - drums
Tracklisitng; 1. Heavy Metal (Sammy Hagar cover) 2. Superstition (Stevie Wonder cover) 3. Delilah (Florence & the Machine cover) 4. Argent Trop Cher (Téléphone cover)