Kix:- Hot Wire

Release:- 1991
Band Members:- Steve Whiteman, Brian Forsythe, Ronnie Younkins, Donnie Purnell, Jimmy Chalfant,
Krillion's Rating:- 86%


Fifth album in for 'Kix' and it's another fine platter of their usual blend of simplistic yet catchy carefree Hard Rockers. The difference here is the production which is leaps and bounds better that earlier releases, combine this with their usual strong musicianship and quirky but ultimately catchy material and you have the best 'Kix' album of their back catalogue.

The title track opens proceedings and fails to disappoint, after a slow build the song erupts into a brisk, yet carefree rocker laced with glorious driving rhythm, 'Steve Whiteman's excellent trademark snarl like vocals and some great lively guitar work, which all comes together for a superb opener. The quality continues with the simplistic yet splendid 'Girl Money', a light-hearted pulsating number, highlighting a catchy chorus, clever pace changes and more typical 'Kix' style lyrics. 'Luv-a-holic' is next but doesn't impress quite so much, lyrically it's fun but ultimately a tad weak, while the melody definitely isn't one of their strongest- the guitar work does however make this a respectable effort. The pace drops for the ballad 'Tear down the Walls', and while it doesn't surpass the excellent 'Don't Close your Eyes' from 'Blow my Fuse' it's still a passionately executed effort. The pace is restored with 'Bump the La La' an energetic, simplistic track and overlooking the clumsy lyrics this is an enjoyable, catchy affair. Much better however is the magnificent 'Rock & Roll Overdose' a brisk rocker fuelled by superb driving rhythm, fine fret work and great harmonica / vocal work from 'Steve Whiteman'. The fine form continues with the more mature, intense sounding 'Cold Chills', a well penned number, sporting a slighter darker approach upheld with a fine melody and sweet guitar solos. 'Same Jane' is next and after a Bluesy opening, builds into another typical carefree 'Kix' style rocker, highlighting free flowing guitar work and a distinctive catchy chorus. The comical 'Pants on Fire' ensue and features riff work very reminiscent of the 'Kinks', especially the intro, overall a bit too clumsy despite the vaguely amusing comical approach. Lastly we are gifted 'Hee Bee Jee Bee Crush' a track which proceeds as a dull 'Led Zeppelin' style Blues number, fortunately the tempo is lifted and the song matures into a pulsating hypnotic cut, driven by a fantastic rhythm and sharp vocals, lyrically it's hardly a gem but still a pleasant outing.

In my opinion their strongest album and any fan of 'Kix' should include this cracker in their collection. Sadly this would be the last classic 'Kix' album, as the 90's Alternative / Grunge era eventually put pay to quality feel-good Hard Rock like this, and despite another album after this, they eventually split.


Track Listing:- Hot Wire, Girl Money, Luv-a-holic, Tear down the Walls, Bump the La La, Rock & Roll Overdose, Cold Chills, Same Jane, Pants on Fire (Liar Liar), Hee Bee Jee Bee Crush,