Reviewed by Peter John Willoughby

It may seem like a bygone age, but 20 years ago the internet had only just been invented. Also mobile phones, ipods and mp3 tracks were unheard of. San Diego-based Crystavox released their self-titled album in 1990 and 'The Bottom Line' in 1992 before splitting up. The line-up was Adam Lee Kemp (vocals), Loren Holmquist (rhythm guitar and keyboard), Tony Lopez (lead guitar) and Fred Helm (drums). Coming forward to the present, Crystavox found their original master recordings were still being stored by their original label, Ocean Records. The band enlisted technical guru, Tony Lopez, to bake the analogue tapes to get them accessible again enabling all the original tracks to be transferred in high resolution to the Pro Tools HD3 format. New life was breathed into the songs by remixing and partially rerecording them with new guitar and drum parts. Crystavox's brand of '80s hair metal was grittier than Stryper and could be compared to Warrant and Skid Row. Opening with a high energy riffer "Cry Out" makes an immediate contrast with the heavier, mid-paced "Break Down The Wall". My favourite is "Stick To Your Guns" which has a meaty bassline, plenty of hooks and enough shredding to keep an air guitar fanatic busy pulling poses. There are also a couple of power ballads "Home Again" and "No Boundaries". This is one of those rare occasions where a reissue far surpasses the original material. There is also a two disc package which comes with never before released live concert footage and also several MTV style video clips. All footage has had the colour completely corrected and restored and has been completely remastered in 16:9 format. It also includes a recently recorded 'where are they now?' segment by the band. A superlative example of how to reissue vintage music.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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