Fiction Syxx - The Alternate Me

Fiction Syxx is a band founded in 2016 whose members are all musicians with years of experience in band projects, solo projects and playing with other artists. Mark Allen Lanoue (vocals, guitar), JK Northrup (guitar, production), Eric Ragno (keyboards), Larry Hart (bass), Rory Faciane (drums) form a tight band.

Mark played in Biloxi and Chasing Karma, JK in XYZ and King Kobra, Eric with Joe Lynn Turner, Graham Bonnet, Larry with Montrose and King Kobra and Rory played with a multitude of bands and artists. The Alternate Me will be released on June 28th. Fiction Syxx released in 2017 a remarkable first album, Tall Dark Secrets, an excellent album of melodic rock, fine and racy. Since, Larry Hart has replaced Tony Franklin (The Firm, Blue Murder) and the quintet returned to the studio to record 12 pieces of great elegance.

My Darkest Hour is the image of what the band wants to propose. Melodic, a singer with a certain voice, exceptional guitars and keyboards highlighted, but never intrusive. JK Northrup is a remarkable underestimated guitar player and a prominent producer. Monster In The Mist is even better, JK's production being superb, silky and hard rock at a time. Note a superb wah wah solo and Mark Allen Lanoue at the top of his art. Many guitars masterfully envelop Eric Ragno's keyboards.

Click here to watch the video of Monster in The Mist

As for Angel of Mine, it's a marvel of sweetness, melodic and fine composition. The sound is literally exceptional and the chorus is perfect. A sublime title from end to end. The Alternate Me is a little darker, then suddenly all is clear in the chorus that flies with the powerful voice of Mark. Still and always an exceptional solo. And a beautiful passage of keyboards made in 80's.

Wind Reminds Me is a ballad, modern but in the spirit of the 80s. Always melodic, pleasant listening and where drummer Rory Faciane also demonstrates all his musical abilities. Carry The Light is simply bright. The keyboards are here used with happiness, and the guitars of JK are splendid. Foolish Pride is different. At once bluesy, melodic and guitars everywhere. A hymn to guitar lovers. Many musical influences in one title.

Better Part Of Me is lively, fast, but always ... melodic. The master word and the credo of Fiction Syxx. And always a hallucinating sound. Another big moment : Tall Dark Secrets (title of the first album of Fiction Syxx). A mature title, more than successful choirs, well put in place. Although excellent musicians, the quintet plays together, for the good of the band. A perfect chorus, almost arabic. Superb. The solo is the centerpiece of the song.

Click here to watch the video of Tall Dark Secrets

Here is a long piece now. Suite Madame Blue, a title of the legendary band Styx, which looks somewhat like Led Zeppelin's Babe I'm Gonna Leave You. An acoustic piece that makes way for JK Northrup's electric guitars. Six and a half minutes of pure pleasure. In the middle a lot of keyboards, piano, which suddenly give way to electricity, choirs. A very diverse piece where we never feel the length.

Tragic Magic is more rock'n'roll, faster but still melodic. A short and effective title. The Wizard closes The Alternate Me beautifully, with finesse, acoustics, slide guitar and heavy and powerful rhythm.

A superb album of melodic rock, composed, produced, played by musicians of immense talent, who practice music with respect and love. I can only recommend, from June 28, to get The Alternate Me and hope that Fiction Syxx will not stop in such a good way.