Last year I waited too long and missed reviewing Chez Kane’s self – titled, debut album. I regretted that experience, and wanted to make sure, when her new album came out, I would review it, and do it early. Well, here it is, the sophomore album, Powerzone, and it was released October 21st, on Frontiers Srl Records.
Chez Kane plays melodic rock, like the kind you may remember from the 1980s, if you were around then. Chez is a talented, young vocalist who fronts, with her two sisters, the band Kane’d. Danny Rexon of Crazy Lixx, found Chez, while recruiting for new talent. Danny started working on some demos with Chez and the label did not pass up the opportunity to get involved with this incredible talent. Chez Kane, sings all the vocals, and Danny Rexon, plays all accompanying instruments. Jesse Molloy, adds saxophone, to bring home that true 80s melodic rock feel.
Every song on this album is a great nostalgic ride back through the 1980s. “I Just Want You”, kicks off Powerzone, with Chez’s, Pat Benatar/Patty Smyth, (Scandal), sounding voice. No, this is not Yvonne Elliman’s classic disco mix, this is a melodic rock version with the same message. Deep emotional love, like the first time you fall in love. A fantastic album opener, which will sound powerful live. There is a great video supporting this track, which brings Chez’ version of the story to life.
(The Things We Do) When We’re Young in Love”, is the nostalgic throwback all of Chez’s fans want to hear, Perfect, road trip music that also has a great supporting video that is full of all the memories you can share again.
“Rock You Up”, is a Joan Jet/Pat Benatar extravaganza, full of powerful lead guitar and the kind of echoing choruses you remember from some of the ‘big hair’ bands of the 80s.
“Love Gone Wild”, has the best supporting video yet for Powerzone. Full of scantily clad ‘ladies of the 80s’, and some wonderful saxophone. A blistering party of a song. There is a feeling of music you remember all over this, from David Bowie’s Let’s Dance, all the way to Duran Duran’s Rio; complete with that added sax.
“Children Of Tomorrow Gone”, is back to the belting power of Chez’s vocal delivery, supported with perfect keyboards, like they used to play on all the songs of the New Wave phase of the 80s. There are some signs of early Brian Adams – like lyrics here as well.
“Powerzone”, is the album’s title song, and it gets off with a powerful guitar and drum run, before Chez joins in. A very Springsteen – like lyrical song about overcoming the odds against you. Chez sings, “Do you feel like the world’s closing in. You’re on the brink of walking away from all you’ve been fighting for. They say it’s a dream you must give up. I’ve been standing on the edges of the powerzone! Holding on to a dream”. If you’ve ever dreamed of having something long enough, you know how she feels. And you can feel the authenticity in her voice. Probably the best song on the album. That is how they pick an album title, people. The guitar solo is amazing.
“I’m Ready (For Your Love)”, is a solid rocker. You can’t sit still to this one. No way! Rock it Chez!
“Nationwide”, is another struggle to make it as a rock star, song. A new star trying hard to make it big. You can feel the desire in her voice.
“Streets of Gold”, sounds like a Brian Adams/Bon Jovi lyrical song. Chez sings it well enough to make it her own. A song for the everywoman/man. Chez sings, “Can you hear the bells of freedom. Can you feel the winds of change?”
“Guilty of Love”, is a great closing song to this rocking album. A ballad to remember Powerzone by.
This is a great trip down nostalgia lane for anyone who appreciated melodic 1980s rock. I did, and I appreciate Chez’ ability to recreate it and bring it back to a new medium and generation. This album is a powerful representation of what once was, and what she is hoping will be again. Friday and Saturday nights out with friends rocking to music. Place it on your phonograph or CD player and take a trip back in time.
Track List:
1. I Just Want You
2. (The Things We Do) When We’re Young in Love
3. Rock You Up
4. Love Gone Wild
5. Children Of Tomorrow Gone
6. Powerzone
7. I’m Ready (For Your Love)
8. Nationwide
9. Streets Of Gold
10. Guilty Of Love
Produced by: Danny Rexon. Recorded by: Danny Rexon and Harry Scott Elliott. Mixed by: Danny Rexon. Mastered by: Erik Mårtensson @ Mass Destruction Production. Executive Producer / A&R: Serafino Perugino.
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/ChezKaneVocalist
https://www.instagram.com/chez_kane
https://www.youtube.com/c/ChezKane