MAXX EXPLOSION is a high-profile band that consists of lead vocalist and bassist Chris McCarvil along with Jimi Bell on lead guitar and BJ Zampa on drums, Maxx Explosion have returned with their sophomore effort “Dirty Angels” on Kivel Records.

The opening instrumental is a cool montage that runs into the first track “Doctor Saturday”. The crushing elements are the heavy harmonies and a great chorus beside Jimi Bell’s influential guitar riffs.

Crazy Hot” has that great flair with a potent backbeat that gives a bluesy feel but what elevates the songs is the midsection of McCarvil and Zampa. “Over You” is a power ballad that has good potential to excite the female passion as it shows a sentimental side to MAXX EXPLOSION.

Picking up the pace again on track four is “Nothing’s Easy” and it has that 80’s sound that melodic rock fans adore. The song is in the vein of FIREHOUSE to NIGHT RANGER so they are in good company with this one.

When a band can bring the harmonies it’s always a plus and you can hear that sound on “Ordinary Life” and with the addition of soaring guitar licks by Bell it makes the song tantalizing.

Chris McCarvil vocals step to the forefront with a caressing ballad “All For You”. Just sit back and enjoy this one.  “Over the Line” Bell takes it to another level with his guitar tapping and killer solo. “Impossible” is the type of song that can pop on the radio at any time. It has a great beat where Chris McCarvil’s bass lines shine and the lyrics and chorus push it to the limits of a classic.

Here you go as MAXX EXPLOSION does a killer rendition of Gary Wright’s “Dream Weaver” and if Wright only had Bell back then but it would just raise the bar. Once again the shining star here is McCarvil’s vocals. Yee Haw let’s kick up those heels with a hoe down. “Trigger Happy” is an instrumental with a western flare… M.E. showing some diversity!

“Fast Enough” might be the highlight track on “Dirty Angels”. Great lyrics with all the perfect essentials between McCarvil vocals and Bell slamming the strings but don’t shy away from that guy behind the kit, BJ Zampa. I really love this track!

Fast, Fast, Fast “On the Rise” is pure power and ending the disc is the title track “Dirty Angels” which slows things down with a definitive melodic rocker. The song shows the true musicianship that MAXX EXPLOSION possess as the band continues on the path of hard rock stardom..