Johnny Sexx CD release party this weekend

If you were thinking that what the Asheville Music Scene was missing was a dose of glam rock, your wish is about to come true. Local punk/glam musician Johnny Sexx releases his debut, self-titled album this week at the LAB.

Recorded in Sexx’s home studio, the album is a raw snarl from start to finish with churning guitars and thrashing percussion (thanks to Ross Diamond) that propel each song into a frenzy beneath Sexx’s vocal (more parts Sid Vicious than Marc Bolan). Throughout the nine tracks, Sexx build his own mythology, guiding his listeners through darkened alleys into into the secret back rooms of clubs. “Come over here baby and listen to what I say,” he sings at the launch of “Sexx and Blood.” And, “I wanna rock ‘n roll, I wanna free your soul,” on “Cosmic Rock ‘n Roll.” The album’s only departure is final track “Misses Moon,” which veers from the fuzzy garage rock to a booming, moody, Suicide Twins take on glam noir. It’s a velvety last say on a bracing collection of songs.

Sexx also has a formidable rock star wardrobe, from leopard print pants and sparkly scarves to leather jackets and net shirts (photos in this blog are from his Facebook page). Everything about him shows absolute commitment to the genre — a good sign in an entertainer.

The Treatment and Zombie Queen also perform at the Saturday, Jan. 21 CD release show, and the audience has a chance to own a copy of Sexx’s new album. Only 100 copies have been made. 9:30 p.m., $5.

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About Alli Marshall
Alli Marshall has lived in Asheville for more than 20 years and loves live music, visual art, fiction and friendly dogs. She is the winner of the 2016 Thomas Wolfe Fiction Prize and the author of the novel "How to Talk to Rockstars," published by Logosophia Books. Follow me @alli_marshall

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