US Melodic Rockers QUADRA NIXX were formed in the ’80s in the North Carolina area and although the group achieved regional and national notice, as happened for many very good acts from the East Coast they never got signed by a major label – you gotta move to California to get a chance back then. But never it’s too late, and QUADRA NIXX released their self-titled debut album in 2014 featured in exclusive at plotn08.
Fast forward 2023 and German label Wolf Entertaintment Group in conjuction with the band is reissuing the album “Quadra Nixx” but now re-branded as RUN JUPITER, with new artwork as well.
“Quadra Nixx” is, pure and simple, second half of the ’80s / early ’90s US Melodic Rock. The band love Journey’s Raised On Radio era, this is obvious in the highly harmonized choruses – 4 of the 5 members provide backing vocals – and of course, you have keyboard splashed all over, catchy refrains and a pumping rhythm section.
Guitarist Marc Jackson is the man who delivers some edge to the songs with a – guess what – a Neal schon style in the rhythm guitars and riffs, although during the well elaborated & effective solos he brings to mind White Lion’s Vitto Bratta.
On the other hand, the lead vocals of Jan Fields are inspired by Steve Perry and Kevin Chalfant, however his timbre is more in the mid-range spectre and very personal. His way of singing has a dynamic and a expression that would have made the man a star in 1984.
Then the rhythm section of drummer Jack Perry and bassist Jon Young is dynamic all the way with a ‘pumping style’ and Tim King delivers concise by effective keyboards splashes creating that ’80s atmophere.
You can’t go wrong with ultra-melodic, swirling keyboard filled tunes like “Keep The Fire Burning”, “Hollywood”, “Key To Your Heart”, the AORish midtempo “Miranda” or the power ballad “Steal My Heart”.
If the title “Look Who’s Crying Now” is not a Journey homage, then what… however the song is one of the more rocking numbers on the album with a hard rock edge, as the very White Lion-esque “Daddy’s Little Girl” and closer “Never Left”, combining Steve Perry-like harmony vocals and a sharp riff.
QUADRA NIXX is a fun-static, wonderful trip back to the late ’80s / early ’90s US Melodic Hard Rock.
Although production could be better, you don’t care as all the songs – and I mean all – featured on this album are Top Notch for the genre with great arrangements, terrific harmony vocals and golden choruses.
Add to that the fact the quintet are really, really skilled musicians, performing on high level throughout.
This is a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED listen for any fan of the genre.
01 - What If I
02 - Daddys Little Girl
03 - Hollywood
04 - Keep the Fire Burning
05 - Key to Your Heart
06 - Calling for You
07 - Look Who's Crying Now
08 - Miranda
09 - Steal My Heart
10 - Never Left
Run Jupiter – Quadra Nixx 2023
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