Stg. Roxx Weapon of Miss Distraction
by Joe Mis
Staff Writer
Eonaian Records has developed quite a reputation when it comes to repackaging and releasing old gems or relatively unknown bands, and Weapon Of Miss Distraction by Chicago-based hair-metal rockers Sgt. Roxx is their latest find.
While there is nothing bad about any of the music on this 19-track, 119 minute disc, there is nothing very compelling or unusual about it either. Unlike many of Eonian’s prior releases, Sgt. Roxx doesn’t seem to be a groundbreaker or innovator, nor is it the debut of anyone who became a major player in the rock world – it is simply run-of-the-mill, routine glam/hair metal. On the plus side though, Eonian has done their usual remarkable job with the copious liner notes and details.
Weapon Of Miss Distraction covers all of Sgt. Roxx – from early demos through a full-EP and some live tracks, and every permutation of band personnel. Jack Adams does lead vocals on all tracks, as well as most of the songwriting duties. He has a decent and clear voice, but a limited range – not unusual for the genre and the time. Darrin Laszlo plays a competent and solid bass on all tracks, and Rob Briles was their full time lead & rhythm guitar player. Second guitar duties were shared by Bob O’Connor and Scott “Grover” Weatherspoon, and the drumsticks were handled by Kevin Cora, Scott Wilson or Gabriel “Gabie” Anthony.
Formed back in 1985 by Adams and Laszlo, Sgt. Roxx paid all their dues at the local clubs in the Midwest and East Coast, and then released their first EP Push N Squeeze in 1991. Musically they are pure glam/hair metal, with many obvious influences but no direct copies. Solid double guitars, driving rhythm lines and occasionally sleazy lyrics make for a typical late-80s or early-90s experience. Tracks 1 through 5 are the much sought after initial EP, while the balance of tracks are later demos and live recordings. Tracks 6 to 10 were done in 1994, and 11 to 16 jump back to 1992. Tracks 17 and 18 are live 1994 recordings from Chicago’s Gateway Theater, and the final track is another studio track from 1994. After pushing on thought the early 90s, the Sarge was simply overwhelmed by the grunge/alternative scene and faded away.
“Movin’ On” has some nice acoustic guitars brilliant leads and fills, and stands a little apart from some of their other tracks. “Push & Squeeze” has a great driving bass and drum line and features a very solid guitar solo. “Wrap Yourself” is probably the closest Sgt. Roxx came to a catchy chorused “arena rocker”, while “Don’t Cry” is the required ballad. “Decisions” and “Alright” have a more blues rock groove, and “Rockin’ Horse” is almost pure old school blues-rock, and probably the best track on the disc. However too many tracks have too similar a sound, and it becomes difficult to tell one from the next, so the album as a whole becomes a bit tedious.
The production and engineering are very good considering the age of the recordings – another Eonian trademark. The live tracks add a nice element to the album, and really allow the enthusiasm of the band members to show, making it fairly easy to understand why these guys built up a loyal fan base.
All in all, Weapon Of Miss Distraction will only appeal to fans of the band or those deep into the glam/hair metal genres. For the casual listener, too many of the tracks sound alike. For the rock music historian or even a serious music fan, there is nothing compelling or overly interesting about Sgt. Roxx or its personnel to warrant a purchase. However, if you love the genre or have fond memories of the early 1990’ Chitown metal scene then by all means give it a spin. There is some good music here, but the band as a whole is not up to Eoanian’s usual standards. Perhaps these Roxx should have stayed buried…
Label: Eonian Records
Web: http://www.eonianrecords.com/b-sgtroxx/sgtroxx.html , http://www.myspace.com/sgtroxx
Track Listing:
01. All You Need
02. Why’d You Lie
03. Movin’ On
04. Push & Squeeze
05. Million Dollar Girls
06. Wrap Yourself
07. Don’t Cry
08. Decisions
09. Alright
10. Rockin’ Horse
11. Love Affair
12. Without You
13. Thinkin’ Of You
14. Ransom
15. (Don’t Do) What Your Mama Sayz
16. I Don’t Know
17. Psycho In The House (Live)
18. My Lady (Live)
19. Bread & Water
HRH Rating: 6/10