Having success early as 1982 with “Red Skies” and “Stand or Fall,” by the mid-’80s England’s The Fixx was in the Rock mainstream courtesy of the hits “One Thing Leads to Another,” but also “Secret Separation.”
Formed in 1979, in London, England, The Fixx was fairly consistent – 10 albums in the span of 30 years, from the debut Shuttered Room to the last comeback record, 2012’s Beautiful Friction. Now, another decade later, The Fixx rises again with a new album, Every Five Seconds.
Released on Friday, June 3, 2022, via BFD/The Orchard Records, Every Five Seconds marks the band’s eleventh overall studio album. Consisting of ten new songs, it opens with “A Life Survived,” which may be described as a hybrid of Gothic and Sophistipop; exhibiting the seasoned band’s homage to its roots and display of its experience and sonic maturity. The ensuing “Closer” then suddenly gallops with its upbeat tempo and engaging choruses, only to turn dark again with “Take What You Want” and even colder and sinister with “Wake Up,” which will most likely be a future classic.
With the beautifully titled “Suspended in Make Believe,” The Fixx then slows down the mood a bit, transcending the listener to a trance-like calmness. Another compelling track plays next in the form of “Lonely as a Lighthouse,” which will fit seamlessly on a playlist that includes “City of Blinding Lights” by U2, “Cry” by Simple Minds, and “A Dustland Fairytale” by The Killers. “Cold” then follows next in an impassioned groove and rhythmic heartbeat.
A change of style then takes place with the syncopated and angular “Spell,” which may be regarded as an album highlight. Another slow track then ensues–the bluesy and soaring “Woman of Flesh and Blood.” Finally, The Fixx finishes Every Five Seconds with “Neverending” which is engaging, passionate, and acoustic guitar sparkling; a perfect album closer.
Currently consisting of longtime lineup of Cy Curnin (lead vocals), Adam Woods (drums, percussion), Rupert Greenall (keyboards, backing vocals), Jamie West-Oram (guitar, backing vocals), and Dan K. Brown (bass, backing vocals), The Fixx remains one of the enduring flagbearers of the revered Post-Punk New Wave genre that flourished in the 1980s. With the cohesive, well-woven, and lyrically relevant songs that comprise Every Five Seconds, The Fixx proves that it still has the sonic power and energy to last the band at least a couple decades and a number of records more. That is why Cryptic Rock gives Every Five Seconds 4 out of 5 stars.
){kind=link}
No comment