EDDE MAXX - HOT PAINT (1993, ISBA RECORDS)
Edde Maxx - vocals, keyboards, guitars
Bruce Noble - guitars
Danny Parker - bass
Bill McCaully - B3 Organ
Tom Roach - drums

Background
Not a great deal known about our friend Edde, all that I know is he originates from Canada (Montreal I guess, judging from the all the French Canadian names all over the liner notes) and has a reputation as a bit of a 90's Aldo Nova. Not sure if I agree with the comparsion, as the collection of music on offer here is eclectic (to you and me that means a 'mixed bag'). Musically yes, this is a real mixed bag. Just as well there is a high degree of melody though I remain unconvinced by the varied styles displayed throughout, as well as the vocals which don't exactly hit the mark or resonate with me entirely.

The Songs
The first 'Dr Good Luv' is a bit of a dud opener in my books, somewhere between Billy Idol wannabe David Drew and American 80's hero Billy Squier. Next track up 'Me And Silver' is an accoustic affair which could very well be an Al Stewart song for the nineties! It's not until we get to 'Where Is The Love' do we strike a rich vein of AOR/melodic rock. Aah this is much better! 'Little Fantasy' has a lot of Hammond organ in it, but the clap along chorus is a bit patronising. 'Hang On' has a rhythm similar to the first track 'Dr Good Luv' but the guitar is suitably AOR heavy! The AOR vein catches up with the brooding 'Listen To Your Heart'. There's a bit of depth to this song with subtle keyboard touches in the background. This is much like Aldo Nova, especially those vocal minuettes happening behind the scenes. 'Take Me With You Tonight' picks up the pace, and is similar to German rockers Dominoe. The ballad 'Together We Stand' is to me the highlight of the album, despite the fact it's a ballad and is 5.38 minutes long. It's exquisite actually, and it pains me to think that if this whole album was more consistent it would be a killer! The album closer 'Paint The Town Blue' is also great, perhaps the heaviest track on the album, and demonstrates where this guys strength is, all out rockers!

In Summary
Overall, the album is not long, 36 minutes all up. Despite what many might see as a negative review, Edde definitely has promise, just not the consistency.

Track Listing:
01 Dr Good Luv
02 Me And Silver
03 Where Is The Love
04 Little Fantasy
05 Hang On
06 Listen To Your Heart
07 Take Me With You Tonight
08 Together We Stand
09 Paint The Town Blue

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