Britny Fox:- Britny Fox

Release:- 1988
Band Members:- Johnny Dee, Michael Kelly Smith, "Dizzy" Dean Davidson, Billy Childs,
Krillion's Rating:- 78%


Britny Fox's debut release and I have to agree, this is like a 'Cinderella' Mark II, musically they are very similar, in fact guitarist 'Michael Kelly Smith' once played with them. Vocally I would say 'Cinderella' had the edge, '"Dizzy" Dean Davidson' is a decent vocalist but 'Tom Keifer' has a better range and is more melodic compared to 'Dizzy's' more raspy 'Gene Simmon's' approach. All said this is a fair effort with the usual late 80's tasty hooks, big hair and shocking lyrics.

First off is the chorus heavy rocker 'Girlschool', a fair opener supported by a strong rhythm section and a flashy guitar solo, for me it's let down by the vocals, 'Dean Davidson' sounds really rough 'Bon Scott' style, this type of vocals doesn't really match the Pop Metal approach of 'Britny Fox'. Better is the more melodic 'Kiss' sounding 'Long Way to Love', and while it's a lighter effort, the driving drum and bass work keep the track moving nicely, this is complimented by some sweet licks courtesy of 'Michael Kelly Smith'. Next up is the rawer 'Kick 'N' Fight' and for me this sounds reminiscent of later 'Slaughter', 'Dean Davidson' even sounds like 'Mark Slaughter' in places as he really stretches his range, overall a decent number albeit the repetitive lyrics. The anthemic 'Save the Weak' follows, not one of my favourites, with its corny lyrics and lethargic attitude. Better is the carefree romp 'Fun in Texas', the intro to which is pure 'Badlands', however the track develops into a laid back jaunty, with a fine sing-a-long chorus and nice guitar soloing. Side two kicks off with the quality anthem 'Rock Revolution', lyrically it's simplistic but this is made up for with gutsy vocals and fines guitar work. Less impressive is the languid 'Don't Hide', an unimaginative and trite effort, while 'In America' is also a disappointing dose of patriotic nonsense. Improvements are made with a quality rendition of 'Slades' 'Gudbuy T' Jane', while sticking closely to the original, it does still have that 80's Hair Metal feel and for me it works well. Lastly we are gifted probably the best track of the album the relentless rocker 'Hold On', while lyrically basic, it's full of glorious rhythm, powerful backing vocals and for me 'Dean Davidson' and 'Michael Kelly Smith' put on their best performance of the album- quality.

So there were better bands of the same genre in the late 80's, but 'Britny Fox' got a lot of unfair criticism. If you like 'Cinderella' and similar groups you will like this creditable debut.


Track Listing:- Girlschool, Long Way to Love, Kick 'N' Fight, Save the Weak, Fun in Texas, Rock Revolution, Don't Hide, Gudbuy T' Jane, In America, Hold On,