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Reviews of Hydroponic
Review: Hydroponic
"I'll never forget the first time I heard Luxx. I was at a club to see another band that they were the opening act but they totally stole the show! Vocalist Katrina Chester was not only stunning to look at, but she had the voice to match and had a killer band blasting out hard-driving rhythms with fine-tuned precision. I stood in front of the stage mesmerized through the whole set--with the rest of the ENTIRE crowd who made the band come back for several encores. If you're a hard rock fan and you've never heard LUXX, you will really like this CD.
If you've already heard them before or have their previous self-titled debut, you will really love this CD! I could hear the difference right away as the abrasive studio assault began with the first track, "Play With Me." "Wow!" I thought, then wondered if it was possible for Luxx to follow their own act with the next song. Then the second track, "Understand," kicked in and the visceral epic attack continued. That's when I realized by ears were in for some serious thrashing. I double-checked the cover just to make sure this was the same Luxx - yup - the same band alright, but with a much heavier, corrosive sound. Even with the filter-fattened vocals, Katrina still delivers the goods with her rough, powerhouse style.
Although lots of people (myself included) have made comparisons to Janis Joplin, at times her voice reminded me of Bonnie Tyler and even Marianne Faithful (two other amazing singers, by the way, who I've always felt were very underrated). But Katrina is not the only star here since praise must also go out to three people who make the music happen - guitarist Ian Hatton's thundering riffs, bassist Tony Fennell's beefy bass lines and the drummer Dave Silver's pounding percussive stomp all coalesce superlatively. Luxx also pay homage to David Bowie with a stellar version of "All the Young Dudes" that would make the Thin White Duke himself proud. Since I have a really short attention span and usually find myself disappointed with a lot of CDs that use more filler than good, solid "hit" songs, I was really impressed with the fact that there wasn't one bad track on Hydroponic!
Every song is a winner but I'm gambling on 'Pandora' as the one song that will probably make it onto radio playlists first. This is definitely one CD that will stay in my 'continuous play' pile!"
--J. Lianna Ness, INSTANT Magazine, March 2000
Review: hydroponic
"Here's a band that has really seen some tough breaks. Luxx had a big record deal--six figures in fact. They were set to be one of those "next big thing" bands. And then something happened--something that can only be described as 'typical industry restructuring.' As quick as they were signed, they were basically shelved, no longer able to release music or build a following until everything was sorted out...
Yet Luxx have rebounded; started over, actually. They are back again, and showing just why a label was willing to shell out big bucks for them in the first place. HYDROPONIC is a hip, very modern (yet not alt rock) rock record that oozes enthusiasm and pours emotion into each note of every song...
Chester has a lot to offer as a vocalist. She's a real "something old, something new" type of singer...She is an emotionally charged ball of fire on some songs ("Play With Me"), yet at other times lets her softer, seductive delivery portray equally strong emotion ("Don't Let Me Down")...Her shining moment, as well as the entire band's, comes early on. "Understand has radio single written all over it. It's catchy, has a great hook, and truly shows the entire range of Chester's voice. Angry, yet alluring, Chester is one helluva frontwoman...
Songs like "F.F." are examples of [Ian Hatton's] true skill. This song features a driving rhythm with just enough soloing to let you know that the guy can turn it up at will, when the song calls for it. Speaking of the ability to turn it up, the rhythm section of Tony Fennell and Dave Silver prove themselves very worthy as well...
Bottom Line: While they are unsigned at present, Luxx leaves no doubt that they are one of the most professional bands to come along in a long time. HYDROPONIC is a great release--a pro release. It's amazing that a band like this is playing the Flying Machine [Ohio] instead of the Convocation Center. This is a true power pop/rock band that is as good as anything selling millions today--ANYTHING!"
--Chris Akin, Ohio press, March 2000
Review: hydroponic
"...Chester has plenty of talent in her strong, passionate rock and roll voice, replete with delicious raspiness and moody alto qualities...Luxx delivers surprisingly-satisfying tunes...Most of us know that rock and roll can tend to be either pretty or proficient...Luxx is in the unique position of offering both."
--Rhythym and News Magazine, March 2000
Review: hydroponic
"There are no weak links in LUXX, an irrepressible band from New York City whose members are packed to the eyebrows with an effortless talent. Vocalist Katrina Chester delivers a smoky intensity that owes more to the '70s metal/punk days of Pat Benatar and Patti Smith than '90s rockers Courtney Love or the Breeders: her style is refreshingly retro and personal, blended with bluesy soul and intellectualism. Plus, Chester is one hypnotic hellcat of a singer onstage for those lucky enough to catch one of LUXX's 300 annual live shows. Guitarist Ian Hatton, bassist Tony Fennell, and drummer Dave Silver provide a deft balance of power pop and sweet acoustics. Although the accent on "hydroponic" is on hard rock, LUXX also knows how to lay back with an orchestrated, sultry love song on "DON'T LET ME DOWN" and lyrics that are a cut above the rest...If this unsigned indie band doesn't make it to the national stage, then there's no justice in the world."
--Robert Downes, 4 Play, Kalamazoo Express, April 2000.
Label Luxx: Frontwoman Katrina Chester wants to talk biz
[Hydroponic is] an apt metaphor for Luxx's departure from the traditionally fertile ground of independent label-dom.
After an acrimonious split with Push Records (which released the band's self-titled debut), Luxx formed the Sweet and Deep label and released the harder-edge, ultramodern Hydroponic. Chester's raspy singing covers a range of emotions, from seductive temptress on straightforward rocker "Play with Me" to raging ex-girlfriend with the funk-metal blast of "f.f." Hydroponic also features a surprising cover of Mott the Hoople's "All the Young Dudes."
With the disc's release the band took on their own promotional work. Apparently, they know what they're doing. Luxx are currently in negotiations with three different labels. And, according to Chester, Luxx's suitors are a lot bigger than Push Records are.
...While talking to the Phoenix from a Cleveland hotel room, Chester wanted to talk business while she and the rest of the band were slapping together media packages...Many bands have street teams, but, Chester says, she treats hers like an exclusive club. She limits each [local] group to 16 people because, she says, after that she loses track of faces and names....Her minions have managed to get Luxx tunes added to seven radio station play lists in the past year. "We have a relationship with these people...they're like our little family. I want to know who they are. I don't ever want to not know someone's name."
..."Whatever label we pick to sign with, I'm going to want to go in there and I'm gonna want to work radio and retail," she says. "I'm not gonna be pushy; but I'm gonna offer my help. I don't just want to be the artist. It's my career, it's my life."
-- article by Don Fluckinger, The Worcester Phoenix (Worcester, MA), may 26, 2000.