Do you, as I do, fondly reminisce back to the good old days of the 1980s when rock music had a particular vibe to it which you still miss.
Or perhaps, like I do again, you enjoy those big, muscular, powerful, infectiously catchy and hook-laden rockers with a melodic edge?
You’ll for sure you’ll go for Chez Kane’s eponymous debut album in a big way. I have……heard one of the songs pre-release and thought I was listening to a long-lost Vixen album. Took a closer look – it’s by Chez Kane. But who is she?
The answer to that is a songstress from Wales possessing some of THE most powerful and rangy vocals I’ve ever heard.
And with that mid-80s vibe running through all the ten songs here on her debut she’s surely on to a winner and will go far.
Not only are the songs fun, catchy, powerful, melodic, anthemic, uplifting, feel good, hook-laden and instantly memorable from the initial listen – Chez’s vocal prowess is something to behold.
Powerful, rangy, effortless, and passionate just four adjectives to try and do her voice justice. Easily matches (and perhaps surpasses) some of my favourite female vocalists over the years such as Pat Benatar, Anne Wilson, Karen Lawrence, Holly Woods and Rindy Ross.
Better Than Love start things off with a typical 1980s keyboard-driven intro breaks out in to a fine slow-burner which has the big chunky chords and thumping drums. Even a tasty saxophone solo. Think a heavier Foreigner or Quarterflash.
All of It come next. A straightforward growler with a monster, monster fist thumping hook throughout. I want all of it, all of it and a little bit more, hollers Chez. And so will you – and you’ll get it over the rest of the album.
Rocket on the Radio is stunningly good. Impossibly and irresistibly catchy burrowing straight in to your head as Chez belts it out with stunning conviction over the huge chords and some frantic pace as the song drives along.
Indeed, driving along would be something to do whilst listening to this. One of those cuts one imagines blasting down the road (within the legal speed limit of course) on a summer afternoon with the soft top down attempting to sing along.
Have a listen:
Too Late for Love more monster 80s-style feel good expertly delivered. Could easily have been early Pat Benatar. Defender of the Heart is the obligatory “power ballad” though can’t help but like it.
Ball and Chain and Midnight Rendezvous speed along with Kane spitting out the words to match the speed of the song so effortlessly. What a voice.
Die in the Name of Love more impossibly irrespirable 80s-tinged feel-good rock with the keys and big, chunky chords before Dead End Street closes it out in a slightly slower, moody way giving Chez an opportunity to show her rangy vocals in a more restrained way.
Simply cannot go wrong here. Such a first class debut from a monster vocalist with power, poise and passion all channelling that feel-good 1980s style that is much missed. Keep an eye on Chez Kane – surely a major star in waiting.