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KXM
Scatterbrain
2017 Rat Pak Records

KXM, the unlikely power trio of George Lynch (DOKKEN, LYNCH MOB), Dug Pinnick (KING’S X) and Ray Luzier (KORN) are set to release their sophomore album, Scatterbrain.

The band’s self-titled debut in 2014 featured bouncing melodic metal tracks and revealed an alternate approach for these musicians. The song writing and recording process for Scatterbrain was the same as it was for the debut: no pre-production, no rehearsal and no pre-written songs. Every song came from an in-studio jam session, which is simply amazing, because these 13 songs are pretty darn good.

The overall feel of the album is definitely darker. Dug Pinnick’s vocals are angrier than the first album. The songs are even heavier. George Lynch continues to step outside his comfort zone, and his work here sounds like nothing I’ve heard him play before. (Lynch continues to be a workaholic, having recorded albums with LYNCH MOB, MICHAEL SWEET, solo and KXM in just the past few years). Ray Luzier is monster on drums and impresses with his technical skills on this album.

Title track “Scatterbrain” opens the album with power chords that progress to a fast-paced grooving frenzy. The band got a serious workout recording this track. Ray Luzier in particular gives an amazing performance on the song. A video for the track can be viewed on KNAC.COM HERE. “Breakout” offers more melody with the groove. Lynch’s noodling solo adds some flair to the song. A performance/concept video was made for this song, which can be also be viewed on KNAC.COM right HERE. “Big Sky Country” offers a noteworthy riff from Lynch and some impassioned vocals from Pinnick.

Other notable tracks are “Not A Single Word” and “It’s Never Enough”. There is an interesting vocal harmony on “Together” that makes the song really shine. “Calypso” offers some interesting percussive grooves while “Obsession” provides some heavy angst. There are several decent mid-tempo tracks on the album as well, such as “Noises In The Sky” and “Stand”. I found the album grew on me the more I listened to it. The production sounds great, and the album has enough intensity to keep the listener alert.

The name of the game is power and groove, and KXM deliver that. If you want to hear something different, check this album out. At over an hour, Scatterbrain is a pretty long album. It is due to be released on March 17 through Rat Pak Records.

3.5 Out Of 5.0

Grab your copy of Scatterbrain in the KNAC.COM More Store right HERE.