SGT ROXX
WEAPON OF MISS DISTRACTION

Think of Eonian Records as glam rock archaeologists, lovingly excavating lost treasures from an ancient age. Thankfully we don’t have to go to a museum to experience these delights – they’re available for us to take home and enjoy over and over.

Eonian, the same people who gave us the excellent SHAKE CITY self titled album, now present “Weapon of Miss Distraction” (see what they did there?) by SGT ROXX, and against the odds it’s in the same premier league as that album.

Chicago mainstays since 1985, Sgt Roxx recorded their “Push n’ Squeeze” EP in 1990, and other tracks here are demo recordings dating from ’92 and ’94, with a brace of live numbers also from ’94.

‘Why’d You Lie’, ‘Push n’ Squeeze’ and ‘Million Dollar Girls’ fly the flag early, showcasing a highly original sound with hints of Salty Dog and Ratt.

It’s incredible to think that the ‘94 songs are demos, such is the cohesiveness of the collection and the freshness of the songs. The sound quality on the ’92 demos suffers a little, and they’ve been included at the end of the track listing rather than have it go chronologically.

‘Alright’ from the ’94 demos shows a slightly heavier direction and wouldn’t sound out of place on the latest releases from Crash Diet, Crazy Lixx or Dirty Penny. ‘Thinkin’ Of You’ and ‘Don’t Do (What Your Mama Says)’ are amongst the best of the 1992 tracks and reminds me of Junkyard meets Royal Court Of China – whilst retaining their unique individuality.

This is another great collection of long lost treasures from an underrated band, and I wonder how many more quality releases are out there in someone’s storeroom or gathering dust on some record company shelves.

Best bit: That Eonian Records has polished this gem up and made it available, it really is VERY good!

Shane Rockpit

www.myspace.com/eonianrecords
www.eonianrecords.com

Thanks to Eonian Records for the CD