Phil X & The Drills - Pow! Right In The Kisser
(Frontiers Music SRL - 2025)
(Genre: Rock)
Phil X is a Canadian musician best known as Richie Sambora’s replacement in the legendary Bon Jovi. Since 2011 Phil X has been playing alongside Bon Jovi and also has his own project called Phil X & The Drills.
Since 2009’s debut they have released four albums, with a fifth now due. “Pow! Right In The Kisser” is the title of this new album released via Frontiers Music. Phil X provides the vocals and guitars across the eleven tracks on offer here.
Daniel Spree in on bass duties while a plethora of guest drummers perform on the album. Tommy Lee (Motley Crue) Ray Luzier (Korn) and Tico Torres (Bon Jovi) offer their services among others. ‘Don’t Wake Up Dead’ kicks off the album with good energy. The rhythm section motors the song along making it an ideal opening track. ‘Fake The Day Away’ steps things up with strong drum work and an edgy riff that drives the song. There is Velvet Revolver feel to Phil X’s performance.
‘Heal’ continues the albums strong start, Phil X delivers more of his guitar prowess while the drumming adds the power. ‘Find a Way’ continues the early form that the album is producing. After this the album takes a dip in form. Tracks ‘Moving To California’ and ‘You Sunk My Battleship’. They still have their high points, like Phil X’s solo in the latter. This is the same issue with ‘Seemed Like a Good Idea’, while not a bad song by any means it just doesn’t really grab me.
‘Broken Arrow’ lifts the form again as this mid-tempo rocker offers some nice work from Phil X. The punkier infused ‘I Love You On Her Lips’ ‘Feel Better’ and ‘Way Gone’ are all rather average at the back end of the album. It’s an underwhelming trio of songs to close out with.
In closing Phil X & The Drills have delivered an album of two halves. One half offers the promise of a very solid rock album, while the other half meanders towards mediocrity.
‘Pow! Right In The Kisser falls very close to being Bang! All a bit average.
By Carl Mace