Saigon Kick occupies a strange, fascinating middle ground between the hair metal excess of the late 80s and the alternative revolution of the early 90s. Their sound is defined by a muscular rhythm section and Jason Bieler's inventive guitar work, which can pivot from a serrated metal edge to a shimmering psychedelic wash in a single measure. It is music that feels sun-baked and slightly cynical, rooted in the Florida club scene but aiming for something more cerebral.
What truly sets them apart is their obsession with vocal harmony. While their peers were screaming, Saigon Kick was meticulously layering vocals in a way that felt more like Abbey Road than the Sunset Strip. This 'thinking man's' approach allowed them to craft massive radio hits like 'Love Is On The Way' without losing the respect of the metal underground that appreciated their heavier, more experimental deep cuts.
Start with 'The Lizard' to hear the band at their commercial and creative peak. It perfectly captures their ability to balance aggressive alternative metal with the kind of melodic sophistication that was rare for the era. From there, explore their self-titled debut for a rawer look at their high-energy origins.
Saigon Kick is an American hard rock band from Coral Springs, FL, that formed in 1988. When they recorded their debut album and second album the band consisted of lead vocalist Matt Kramer, lead guitarist Jason Bieler, bassist Tom Defile, and drummer Phil Varone. The modern lineup consists of Jason Bieler, Steve Gibb, and Phil Varone. The band is mainly known for their second album The Lizard which reached number 80 on the Billboard 200, on the strength of its lead single "Love Is on the Way" which was a number 12 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and is their only single to chart there. The album and "Love Is on the Way" have both been certified gold.
Shares analog warmth, studio polished, layered dense (production style); harmonized, baritone, vocal layering (vocal style)
Shares alternative metal, hard rock, art rock (subgenres); analog warmth, studio polished, layered dense (production style)
Shares dive bar, urban night, basement show (atmosphere); analog warmth, studio polished, layered dense (production style)
Shares hard rock, alternative metal (subgenres); dive bar, urban night, basement show (atmosphere)
Shares analog warmth, studio polished, layered dense (production style); hard rock, art rock (subgenres)
Shares analog warmth, studio polished, layered dense (production style); hard rock, art rock (subgenres)
Shares alternative metal, hard rock (subgenres); analog warmth, studio polished, layered dense (production style)
Shares analog warmth, studio polished, layered dense (production style); hard rock, psychedelic rock (subgenres)
Shares analog warmth, studio polished, layered dense (production style); hard rock, art rock (subgenres)
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