For
Live & Learn,
Vixen's first new studio release in nearly ten years, one of the few all-female heavy metal bands to prosper in the '80s continues to focus on highly commercial, mainstream rock. But unlike the last studio album credited to
Vixen, 1998's
Tangerine, the players are completely different. The only remaining original
Vixen member left in attendance is guitarist Jan Kuehnemund (who did not even appear on the aforementioned album), who is now supported by an all-new cast -- singer Jenna Sanz-Agero, bassist Lynn Louise Lowrey, and drummer Kathrin Kraft. Although released in 2006, close your eyes and
Live & Learn will transport you back to the late '80s -- as evidenced by such selections as the title track and "Don't Want It Anymore" (the latter of which proves that Sanz-Agero has her
Stevie Nicks-isms down pat). With only a single original member left, perhaps it's time to nix the
Vixen moniker. ~ Greg Prato