EP REVIEW: Drop – Daxx & Roxane
Starting off as a thrash band – yeah, hard to believe, right? – DAXX & ROXANE found not only themselves, but significant success with their 2016 EP 4X4, where they cemented themselves at the forefront of the growing New Wave of Classic Rock. Two albums later and the London-based rockers have become one of the hottest properties in classic rock, entertaining crowds at the likes of Bloodstock and Hard Rock Hell alongside a supporting slot with now-defunct goth icons HIM in the process. With the need to have a creative release in between studio records, the band learned more than 100 songs and picked just four to present on Drop, their brand new covers EP out Friday March 25th as a self-release.
The EP starts with Heavy Metal, the band’s take on SAMMY HAGAR‘s track from the 1981 cult film of the same name. It’s rather faithful to the original, but takes on a new swagger that advances in music production have allowed, especially when you factor in that the songs were recorded in the band’s home studio. Things explode into full colour, however, with their version of STEVIE WONDER‘s classic Superstition. Already one of the coolest songs in existence – its nigh on impossible to refrain from strutting when played as one is walking – this takes that strut, throws a leather jacket, skinny jeans, biker boots and aviators on top and delivers on all fronts. It doesn’t quite reach the heights of the original, but then that’s not the aim; this is all about the band having a lot of fun and whetting their fanbase’s collective appetite before new material arrives in the near future.
The second half of the EP takes another interesting turn with Delilah, originally by UK alt-pop heavyweights FLORENCE + THE MACHINE. Although it starts with strings and a tempo more in line with the original, this cover ups the pace considerably, turning what was a sombre tune rooted in the ethereal into a driving rock song perfect for putting your foot down on the road. The final track is, according to the band, a world-first as well, with Argent Trop Cher by seminal French rockers TÉLÉPHONE translated into English for the first ever time. It must be said that it’s not a literal translation and has been massaged to fit better, but once more it’s delivered in the band’s indomitable style and that counts for a significant amount.
Cover EPs and albums aren’t meant to be taken wholly seriously, and DAXX & ROXANE have found that balance between fun and fury excellently. If you’ve never heard them before now, this also serves as a handy introduction to their sound before you dive straight into their back catalogue – given how good they are, that’s pretty inevitable.
Rating: 7/10
Drop is set for release on March 25th via self-release.
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