Hard Rock Haven Review of Miss Crazy "II"

Reviewed by: Derric Miller

There's the adage going something like, "Motivation gets you going; determination is what keeps you going." If there's a band out there today more motivated AND determined than Miss Crazy, it'd be fun to hear them. But since there isn't, you'll have to pick up the new Miss Crazy CD titled II and hear what sonic determination truly sounds like.

Miss Crazy, basically out of nowhere, broke into the music scene with their Def Leppard/AC/DC inspired debut self-titled release in 2006. The songs were immense, hooky, polished and powerful, landing the CD in many critics' views as a Top 10 favorite release for 2006. The band toured relentlessly around the U.S., from West Coast to East Coast and back again, for almost two years. Unfortunately, like many bands, they experienced frequent roster changes, none more telling or painful than original bassist and band namesake, Kim Racer, who has since been replaced by Brandi Lee. Racer helped draw the crowds and fans, with her quasi-innocence, glaring likability, alluring persona and flat-out talent on the bass. When it's all said and done, though, lead singer/guitarist/main songwriter Markus Allen Christopher is the mind behind and the voice in front of Miss Crazy, and as long as he carries on, so shall Miss Crazy.

Their new CD begins somewhat like their debut, with an "oh-wee-oh-wee-oh" chant reminiscent of gnomes working together, except on II, the pace is slowed way down. This leads into "Mow," and oddly titled and heavy as hell track. The title, rhyming with the word "now," is hectic and passionate, and is about broken friendships or love. Christopher's voice is original, sort of like Tom Kiefer and Brian Johnson at times, except overflowing with melody at every turn. It's a killer way to begin II.

Somewhat surprisingly, the next track, "The River," hears Christopher take down his raging delivery and sing cleanly on the opening lines of the song, and instead of breakneck fury, "The River" glides on a swampy grind. It's dirtier and more sullen than most Miss Crazy tracks you'll hear, showing you they are capable of writing any type of song they so desire. New guitarist Eric Bouche churns out a doomy solo, perfect for the composition's vibe.

"Livin' Without You" is the kind of song they do best, with soaring, addictive guitar riffs and ripe, sing-a-long choruses. Christopher does most of the main guitar tracks as well as vocals, and he has a grasp on what made bands like Def Leppard, Aerosmith and AC/DC last decades and beyond from a guitar perspective.

On "Don't Walk Away," the band offers up an acoustic-led ballad, a major "Hair Ballad" if there's been one in the past 10-20 years. It's engaging and soulful, with Christopher emitting a realistic sense of loss in lines like, "You've gone away … I wish you were here … here!" He also flaunts his range. How he's able to sing like this and not blow out his vocal chords is one of the mysteries and draws of the band.

The one constant on II is that Miss Crazy made the decision to get heavier. You can't deny it, especially on songs like "Make You Mine." The chorus is heated and stalker-ish, with the passage, "I want you, I told you, wanna make you mine! I see you, I feel you, wanna make you mine!" Bouche's solo tears the song into an even darker dimension, while Christopher's riffs plow through everything in its path. Definitely one of their most untamed recordings.

"Here to Die" takes you on another bleak, emotional ride, with the repetitive, "You left me, here to die … you left me, alone to cry," keeping things sorrowful. This track, unlike most of them, harkens back to the '80s, a slower, power-chord semi-ballad anthem.

Like their debut, you won't be skipping any tracks. The talent level between Miss Crazy and the other bands playing this type of music today is severe. Even from a production and engineering level, with the prolific Ronnie Borchert handling the first aspect underrated singer/songwriter Johnny Lima the latter task, everything shines.

Although it's early in 2008, this is a clear nominee for Album of the Year, and sets the bar high for those planning to compete as the year sails on. Those respective bands better bring the same level of motivation and determination, or they'll all be found wanting when compared to Miss Crazy.