Daxx & Roxane
Released May 8th 2020
Album review by; Mike B
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If you ever wondered how a band should follow up their debut album, here's the answer!
With Covid 19 gripping the world in its loving embrace... Where can we look to for salvation? Where can we seek redemption?
My suggestion...
Switzerland... The promised land... If I had the finances, I would move there tomorrow.
Its slap bang in the heart of Europe, yet you never really hear anything about the place!
Home to some of the most beautiful lakes and villages in the world, with ski resorts and hiking trails littering the high peaks of the Alps, what more could one want?
The cities are rich in culture and history, with landmarks such as Berns' Zytglogge Clock Tower and Lucernes' Wooden Chapel Bridge... and all is serviced by a public transportation system which is clean and efficient.
Banking and finance are the cornerstones of the economy and their watches and chocolates are the finest in the world.
It's the best that Europe has to offer without actually having the Euro as a currency or being in the E.U.
Furthermore Switzerland is responsible for the mighty Daxx and Roxane and with Armageddon looming, their new album, the self titled, 'Daxx and Roxane', could quite possibly makes for the perfect pre/post apocalyptic soundtrack!
Good times!
Following on from their 2017 debut 'Ticket to Rock', we see the guys returning to where they left off... it's the next chapter in exploring all the joys that riff rock has to offer...
Counting in with an, "Un, deux, trois, quatre" we are presented with the lead single, 'Fast Lane'... which is sheer balls out, foot to the floor hedonism whilst being squeezed into a pair of very tight fitting Levi jeans as you embark on a kamikaze carnal adventure with a mother and daughter combo... as the protagonist of the track exclaims that they're literally quite ready to, "crash and burn".
Yes it is very AC/DC and if they had cranked the Marshalls a little harder and upped the BPM it would make for a cracker of an Airbourne track... but my beautiful babies... that is how you make rock n roll 101.
However, the last thing one needs is for the next ten tracks to be a copy and paste of the first... and I am happy to report, this is not the case.
'Strange Woman' is the second offering and I will say the best song they have recorded... The 4 minute 15 seconds run-time whizzes past... and granted they've pinched an idea here and there from Skid Row, Def Leppard and alike, but it's absolutely, positively glorious.
Everything you could possibly want is present... I've never heard gang vocals sound so spot on, it's got a driving beat, it's got the perfect riff and the lyrics are fabulous... I defy you not to tap your feet as you keep pushing the repeat button.
To this extent... If my next girlfriend is a stripper by profession, I would insist on her using the track for her pole dancing routine! Sirs my future libido salutes you.... I'm sure the surgically enhanced Candy and I will be very happy together, despite the fact that she will no doubt lead me to my ruination!
I could stop there and say the rest is great, but I doubt my editor would be too chuffed... so let's see what else we have on offer.
'Without You' and 'Broken', are the emotionally charged songs.
Heartache, sorrow, and misplaced trust is all wrapped up in a "circus of lies" and as one would expect, they prove to be exceptionally good bedfellows for the purposes of the lyrical content... Whilst sonically, the dynamics follow a similar trajectory, whereupon both tracks follow a tried and tested execution in their approach and overall delivery... In fact, it’s just the sort of thing the WWE would use as a theme tune for their main events. Vince McMahon, we hope you're listening!
But then what is this... Où sont les voix? An instrumental?.... Indeed it is mes amis!
I've always been a fan of rock instrumentals ever since, The Police 'Behind My Camel' and here we find, 'Dawn' working to great effect.
Dare I say it? ... It’s very atmospheric... with lots of things to treat your aural cavities to!
Admittedly, there are some vocal choir, 'ohhhs and ahhhs', but the track really allows the technical skill set of the band to shine through.
The twin guitars of Cal Wymann (lead) and Simon Golaz (rhythm) is a heady harmonized mix of Hetfield and Hammett infused with a touch of Gilmour as Cédric Pfisters' bass oozes pure Cliff Burton, whilst Luca Senaldis' drums create a pounding landscape of a backdrop, which shows he is far more versed in his art then just hitting the snare, hi hat and kick.... simply sublime...
As a side note, I do hope this makes it into their lives sets, as it would make a great substitute for any thoughts as to the inclusion of a drum solo, so please don't let it be relegated to being either stage entrance or exit music... as it would be a disservice to something quite exquisite.
Editor; simply the most beautiful track I’ve heard in a very long time. If you could ever be in love with a song, this would be it! Full of power and emotion, without the need for any words, it’s also the perfect alarm to wake up to and start your day.
To hear a 15 second teaser, click this link;
https://www.facebook.com/DaxxRoxane/videos
'Heal', is very 90s' rock, think Skunk Anansie meets STP, and acts as a companion track to 'Broken', think of it as the flip side of the coin. Cédric Pfisters' vocals really pop and you realise just how great a voice he has. The vocal layering, compression and double tracking creates an epic effect and the overall result is best described as.... Creamy!
The mid song guitar solo could give the likes of Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Def Leppard, Whitesnake at the height of their success, a serious run for their money.
For a 15 second teaser, click here;
https://www.facebook.com/DaxxRoxane/videos
'Someone I Love' is bombast, whilst 'Give it Time', sees the guys diving into Tom Morellos' toybox... the tracks fall into what I call, movie soundtrack territory, as I can imagine both of these songs playing over a films end credits... as you stand up from your theatre seat... stretch your legs and then wonder how you got covered in so much popcorn considering that you didn't buy any at the concessions stand...
'Get To It'... is a 70s' glam meets blues extravaganza, the bridge is pure, 'La Grange' and it's one of those songs where you think to yourself, 'I wish I could write a song like that!'
Question! Do you like wailing harmonicas?
The answer is yes, and they feature in abundance on the Rolling Stones/Aerosmith collision, 'Back Door Man'... it's not so much a song as a statement for all those who understand the meaning and significance of what it takes to be a 'Back Door Man'... I personally have no idea as to whether any of the members of the band consider themselves to be, 'back door men', but if i ever catch up with them in interview, I will be sure to ask, as answers on this are needed!
Rounding off the endeavour is, 'Sugar Rush', a book end to track opener, 'Fast Lane'... Hyped up, lairy, in your face, and unapologetic with its swagger, it's the final statement as to what this band is all about! (Not to mention the fact, it also features some of that sweet wailing harmonica we all know we love).
In conclusion...
According to the press notes it was produced by Temple Of One (ex Inglorious axeman) Colin Parkinson and the album "takes the band into areas where they did not previously explore on their 2017 debut ‘Ticket To Rock’, making it a more mature sounding, polished and accomplished record" and this is something I wholeheartedly agree with. They've got the formula, they have the secret ingredients and their recipe for it is divine.
Furthermore, the album was financed by a hugely successful Kick-Starter campaign which saw the band hit 150% of their target, so if you invested, clever you! As you have aided in creating something truly amazing!
The album 'Daxx & Roxane’ will be released on all digital platforms on May 8th 2020 as well as physical CD and Vinyl, which can be pre-ordered here;
https://daxxandroxane.tmstor.es/
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Pre-save the album on Spotify:
https://smarturl.it/Daxx-Roxane
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Sadly their UK headline tour in March got cut short due to Covid 19. Shows will be rescheduled, so keep an eye on their facebook page and website for new dates.
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Socials;
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Daxx & Roxane are;
Simon Golaz - Rythm Guitar
Cédric Pfister - Vocals / Bass
Luca Senaldi - Drums
Cal Wymann - Lead Guitar
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