earMUSIC/Loud & Proud [Released 18.08.14]
At last, a band whose main success was in the late ‘80’s has made a new album that sounds like it was actually recorded in 1991 and not “we’ve grown/we’ve updated our sound/ we were moved by grunge/it’s what the fans would want*” (* delete where applicable).
Sure Kix’s new “Rock Your Face Off” album contains some modern elements but this is down to recording and production techniques and not selling out.
Originally active from 1977, the band found platinum selling popularity in the late ‘80’s and early ‘90’s before going on a hiatus in 1996.
By 2003 the band’s classic line up, minus bass player Ronnie Purnell, had reformed and were playing some of the big US nostalgia festivals before releasing the live CD/DVD “Live in Baltimore” in 2012.
However, both the band and the fans wanted more and this led to the recording of “Rock Your Face Off”, their first studio album since 1995’s “$how Bu$ine$$”.
“Rock Your Face Off” is loud, dripping with attitude and the band sound like they have never been away, mostly courtesy of vocalist Steve Whiteman partying like it is 1986 – this gives the album an authentic edge.
Tracks such as “Wheels In Motion”, “Mean Miss Adventure”, “Can’t Stop The Show” and “You’re Gone” make this a good album but it is the trio of “All The Right Things”, “Love Me With Your Top Down” and “Tail On The Wag” that make this essential listening for fans of ‘80’s rock.
The album’s obligatory ballad “Inside Outside Inn” is lyrically amusing – although I am not sure this was meant to be the case. Don’t let me ruin it for you though, check it out yourself. There are also 2 live bonus tracks from the band’s back catalogue in the form of “Love Pollution” and “Midnite Dynamite”.
With “Rock Your Face Off” Kix have recorded a great comeback album – any other bands from the same era who are thinking of entering the studio again should follow their example. ****1/2
Review by Nikk Gunns
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,
Check out radio stream repeat on Tuesday 8th (16:00 GMT) and Thursday 10th April (21:00 GMT)
Next Session: Sunday 4 May
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 2 March 2025.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast on 4 March 2025
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 7 April 2025
SEVEN BLOOD To The Unknown (indie)
FROM FALL TO SPRING Incomplete (Arising Empire)
POP EVIL Side Effects (MNRK Heavy)
ERJA LYYTINEN Abyss (Tuohi Records)
SKY VALLEY MISTRESS Too Many Ghosts (New Heavy Sounds)
RED GIANT Free Me (indie)
Featured Albums w/c 7 April 2025
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.
If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:
If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device
(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
