Pop Rock
FiXT
Release Date: April 11th 2023
Line Up:
Shaun Phillips – Vocals
Michael Meadows – Guitars/Keyboards
Tracklist:
1 – Running Wild
2 – Chemistry
3 – See Me
4 – Can’t Breathe
5 – Gone
LeBrock is a pop-rock duo from Peterborough, just down the road from me! They have released a couple of EPs previously but this is the first I have heard I will be sourcing the others on the strength of this because it’s awesome!
I was lucky enough to have grown up during the 70s and 80’s so I saw many different fashions and musical styles come and go. One of my favorite periods was the new wave boom which lasted less time than punk, but it influenced a shedload of acts into the 80s, and the development of synthesizers it opened everything up. I can hear all sorts of those ’80s bands in this but it’s also totally original and it sounds incredible.
Kicking off the arena-sized punch of ‘Running Wild’ we get some astounding vocals from Shaun Phillips and some excellent guitar licks from his partner in crime Michael Meadows. The song is big bouncy, bright, and energetic. ‘Chemistry’ brings shades of Then Jericho and John Parr – which put a huge smile on my face. This is music for the summertime to be blasted out of your car on a long drive. ‘See Me’ is synth-driven with a fantastic hook and harmonies. ‘Can’t Breathe’ has another expensive hook and a melody catchier than the common Cold then the title track is poppier but hits that sweet spot just like the others.
Equal parts rock and pop this is stunning. It’s shinier than a guardsman’s breastplate with the biggest positive vibe I’ve heard in a long time. The performances are world-class. Phillips’s passionate voice soars with controlled power and the guitar work from Meadows is exemplary and subtle but rocks when it needs to. The songs are expertly constructed with nothing overplayed. If you like Melodic Rock like Journey, Then Jericho, The Cutting Crew, or Mr. Mister then this will be right up your alley.
Written by: Smudge
Ratings: 10/10
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