KIX kix P-11105A

Baltimore’s High-Energy Debut: Kix’s Self-Titled Album (P-11105A)

Today’s entry takes us back to the roots of one of the most underrated bands of the 80s hard rock scene. We are examining the 1981 Japanese White Label Promo pressing of the self-titled debut album Kix, released on the Atlantic label with the catalog number P-11105A.

Power Pop Meets Hard Rock

Before they became platinum-selling glam metal icons with hits like “Don’t Close Your Eyes,” Kix was a hungry club band from Baltimore playing a unique blend of infectious power pop, new wave, and hard rock. Produced by Tom Allom (best known for his work with Judas Priest), this debut captures the band’s raw, frenetic energy perfectly. Frontman Steve Whiteman and primary songwriter/bassist Donnie Purnell crafted songs that were fun, tongue-in-cheek, and incredibly catchy. The album features fan favorites like the explosive opener “Atomic Bombs,” the groovy “The Itch,” and the audience participation anthem “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah.” It is a fascinating document of a band finding its footing, bridging the gap between The Cars and AC/DC.

The Exclusive White Label Promo

This specific copy is a highly collectible Promo Sample. Unlike the standard commercial releases which would feature the green and red Atlantic labels, this disc bears the stark, text-only White Labels. These labels signify that this was a promotional copy distributed to radio stations and industry insiders ahead of the general release. Such copies are prized by audiophiles and collectors alike, as they were often pressed from the earliest stampers, potentially offering superior audio fidelity. A “Sample” sticker is also affixed to the cover, further verifying its provenance.

Japanese Archival Quality

Manufactured by Warner-Pioneer Corporation (the licensee for Atlantic in Japan), this pressing is of exceptional quality. The package is complete with the original Obi strip and a lyric insert, making it a pristine example of early 80s Japanese vinyl production. For fans of Kix, this debut is often considered a cult classic, and finding it in this rare promotional format is a special treat.