X – Alphabetland (Fat Possum)

Well, if nothing else, this pandemic has brought us a few musical surprises. First we had two new songs from Bob Dylan, then one from The Rolling Stones. Now, from seemingly out of nowhere comes a new album from LA punk icons X.

This is the first new album from the band in 27 years, and the first with the original lineup in 35 years. And in case you forgot, that original lineup consists of Exene Cervenka, Joe Doe, Billy Zoom and DJ Bonebrake.

Since forming in 1997 the band has gone through a few personnel changes (add guitarists Phil Alvin and Tony Gilkyson) and few years on “hiatus”.

But the original band, with Billy Zoom back on board has been back together, playing shows since 2004, although Zoom has refused to record any new music with the band until now.

And now seems like a perfect time to have them back.

Anyone who is familiar with X’s first two albums, 1980’s Los Angeles and 1981’s Wild Gift, knows that these four people have something special when they play together. Just check out Johnny Hit And Run Paulene or Your Phone’s Off The Hook But You’re Not.

So, have X managed to hold on to that distinctive sound they forged 40 years ago? And are they still relevant?

After listening to the 11 short, sharp tracks (only one is more than 3 minutes) the answer is yes.

Ironically, its Billy Zoom’s guitar that keeps this band sounding fresh…ironic in that he has such a retro sound, at times 60s garage and others 50s rockabilly.

Those musical genres have always been part of X’s sound, along with the slightly off-kilter harmonies between Exene and John Doe.

While both vocalists sound strong here, they perhaps lack a bit of the edge in their harmonics that made those first two albums so distinctive.

The first 10 tracks are all fierce rockers…and I love them. The 11^th cut is a jazzy, spoken work piece with Zoom on piano and Exene reciting her poetry.

“Why do we still care enough?” and “It was fun while it lasted” she tells us.

A special guest is former Doors guitarist Robbie Krieger, who adds his sparse licks. Remember, it was Doors keyboard player Ray Manzarek who produced who produced Los Angeles bringing the band’s history right back around to where it started.

Marty Duda

Click here to listen to and/or order the new album by X.