by Matman
What happens when you combined edgy progressive rock, a European style and brilliant vocals? You get the debut album from Fiction Syxx, TALL DARK SECRETS from MelodicRock Records. Fiction Syxx was put together by vocalist/guitarist mark Allen Lanoue who created an incredible line-up to help bring his vision to life. Joining Mark on guitar is JK Northrup who helps create an epic sound, especially on songs like Welcome To My Nightmare and Children Of The Night. These tunes are just two of the many that don't just riff you to death, but build something special that goes to many levels and places. The rhythm section features drummer Rory Faciane and bassist extraordinaire Tony Franklin who helped round out the sound like he did with The Firm and Blue Murder. The two hold everything and keep the music flowing. Adding color and imagination is keyboardist Eric Ragno who has done the same for Joe Lynn Turner and Graham Bonnet The album's overall sound is epic and HUGE without being bogged down with the worst elements of progressive music. The songs are well crafted and self contained. Toe The Line starts off with some almost ska riff before turning into an amazing listen complete with slide guitar and a nice chorus. Where We Belong is a beautiful and flowing song that has incredible harmonies that could have been a request hour hit on 80's radio. My favorite song on the album is the one that kicks it all off, Given Sight. Like most of the songs on the album this one has a very European feel to it with very thick keyboards, double bass drum action and of course, serious riffing and a guitar solo by my pal Jimi Bell. The song takes you on a journey that doesn't end until the final notes. Amazing!!! I know musicians don't like their work to be compared to other artists, but if you like the power of Helloween, the depth of RUSH, the moodiness of Marillion and the soulfulness of Rainbow... than this album and this band is what you are looking for. TALL DARK SECRETS by Fiction Syxx is 11 awesome songs with performances that scratch all my musical itches!!!! Matman Rating - 4 out of 5 musical surprises!!! http://www.fictionsyxxrocks.com/
1 Comment
11/27/2017 05:48:05 pm
I'm not just saying this because I love you and I love Mark Allen Lanoue, but this is one of the best, most spot-on reviews I've read of this album (yes, I still call them albums), and I think I've read them all! God bless you for taking the time to make sure this gem doesn't get overlooked, and we'll do our best to make sure it graces as many listener's ears as possible!
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Let's Rock!The Power Chords Podcast is a twice-monthly podcast celebrating rock and metal music of the '70s, '80s, '90s and beyond. The show is co-hosted by Matt Herring and Brian LeTendre. Archives
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