CD REVIEW: SIXX A.M. – Modern Vintage

Label: Eleven Seven Music

Release Date: October 7, 2014

Rating: 10/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

2014 seems to be the year when some establish bands decided to change direction and reinvent themselves musically.  Sixx A.M.’s latest Modern Vintage is another fine example.  “Stars” kicks the disc off and it makes a large impact.  The music is a bit heavier and packs a harder punch than the earlier releases, both of which I love and still listen to regularly.  “Gotta Get It Right” lifts textures and sounds from both of the previous releases without sounding rehashed.  The heavy bass line, compliments of Nikki Sixx, that chugs along in the background anchors this track nicely.  “Get Ya Some” is a different sound for the band, but one they pull off nicely.  DJ Ashba’s guitars at time sound almost flamenco-like and the chorus is very poppy and catchy.  “Drive” is an interesting cover, to say the least.  The band strips the track down to basics and throws their own stamp on this one.  The piano intro combined with the keyboards and the ethereal vocals really takes this song and the disc in a different direction.  “Hypervenitilate” has a fun groove that adds punch to the sequence and an injection of toe-tapping rhythm to the collection.  James Michael’s vocals are strong, especially at the chorus.  “Miracle” is a great track that captures the spirit and energy of the band, while giving them a track that is as diverse and multi-dimensional as the rest of the disc.  The chorus, while simple, adds a fun feel to the track.

“Relief” sounds as if it should have been on the Heroin Diaries Soundtrack, but sounds fresh.  The guitars are driving and the drums are full and pounding.  James’ vocals add depth to the track and adds an urgency to the emotion behind the lyrics.  “Let’s Go” kicks down the doors and comes full throttle through the speakers and straight for the ears.  The heavy bottom end combined with Ashba’s riffs and the vocals gives the disc a solidified rocker that will go over well live if this is added to the setlist for next years headlining tour.  “Give Me A Love” is another rocker that comes out of the gate quickly and establishes itself with killer guitars, heavy drumming, and a thumping bass line all supporting a full vocal.  “High On The Music” sounds like a lot of the other tracks on the disc, but also sounds as if it doesn’t quite fit with the other songs.  While having a slower tempo than other tracks, this one still delivers a heavier sound and style.  “Before It’s Over” keeps the interesting groove alive from the previous track, Miracle, but in a different way.  This one sounds unlike anything else the band, or its members have recorded to date, but it seems to fit within the framework of this disc and ends the collection on a killer high note!

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Category: CD Reviews