Hot Cross
Cryonics
Level Plane (2003)
A new record from Hot Cross. I was so giddy to get my hands on this promo. Unfortunately, the giddyness wore off while listening to it. There are some good tracks on this record but their new approach to melodic singing killed this record. "Pretty Picture of a Broken Face" is, without a doubt, the worst song ever recorded by … Read more
Hot Cross
Cryonics
Level Plane (2003)
"It's the band that has the singer from Saetia in it", was the first thing I heard about Hot Cross. Later I also heard it contains ex-members of Neil Perry and Joshua Fit For Battle, but being a huge fan of Saetia I immediately was forced to check this new all star screamo band. The first thing I noticed was … Read more
Hot Cross
Fair Trades And Farewells
Level Plane (2004)
When I mention Hot Cross a lot of time I'll hear some clever person sing the Hot Cross Buns jingle. I'm sure for each time I've heard this the band members have heard it a thousand times. Kinda like how when I tell people my name is Zed they do that line from Pulp Fiction. But anyways, one thing I'm … Read more
Hot Cross
Risk Revival
Equal Vision/Hope Division (2007)
If you consider yourself a fan of traditional screamo, you're already familiar with Hot Cross's roots. If not, no big deal. Just click your way over to Wikipedia and do a bit of research (it's worth knowing a band's origins). Risk Revival is the perfect album name for a band that lost one of its guitarists and avoided a break-up. … Read more
Hot Cross
Risk Revival
Equal Vision/Hope Division (2007)
Contemporary hardcore is beginning to swing toward a repetitive joke. If drop-d jun jun's and massive amounts of double bass explosions followed by 2-step drum beats sounds familiar, then you know what I mean. Hardcore is not about the breakdown, well not in the common sense of the word anyway. Hardcore is about aggressiveness and honesty. Unfortunately, many upcoming artists … Read more
Hot Graves
Knights In White Phosphorus
Northern Horde (2011)
It seems more and more as of late bands are taking the lead of the mighty Darkthrone. That is to mean that much like Darkthrone as of late bands are adding more obvious touches of crust punk to their black metal style. Hot Graves are not that new at this though. This 4 year old band have always made it … Read more
Hot Hot Heat
Elevator
Warner Bros. (2005)
Hot Hot Heat has managed to weave in and out of the limelight in the last few years. Often compared to the Cure, they are able to hold onto the fringes of the mainstream thanks to the "new" new wave and dance rock movements. The single that broke them to the mainstream was the catchy yet repetitive "Bandages," which has … Read more
Hot Mulligan
Why Would I Watch
Wax Bodega (2023)
There are many things the Midwest is known for, and Hot Mulligan is making damn sure emo music stays at the top of that list. Their new album, Why Would I Watch, can be categorized as Midwest emo, post-emo, pop-punk, or all the above—one thing that’s certain is it’s emotionally charged. If you’re skeptical of a band with a silly name … Read more
Hot Rod Circuit
Been There, Smoked That
Triple Crown (2003)
I didn't hate this album, that's about all I can say for it. Nothing on this CD stood out in my mind at all, it all seemed pretty bland and boring. If you're a HUGE fan of Hot Rod Circuit's post-emo indie/pop sound they have going, you might want to check this out, I wouldn't go out of my way … Read more
Hot Rod Circuit
Been There, Smoked That
Triple Crown (2003)
Well this record does win something. Worst album cover and album name of the year thus far. I didn't like their first ep the first time I heard it so it did nothing for me on this cd. Nothing else on the cd compares to anything that they have done lately. The cover songs don't help this cd any either. … Read more
Hot Rod Circuit
Been There, Smoked That
Triple Crown (2003)
This album consists of older stuff that is out of print, hence the witty album name. I'm a fan of "Very Best Friend", the first song; it has a nice pop rock feel. But after that it is like coming down after smoking a fatty bowl, or bowel if you don't know how to spell. The rest of the album … Read more
Hot Rod Circuit
The Underground is a Dying Breed
Immortal (2007)
The Underground is a Dying Breed is a surprising comeback for Hot Rod Circuit. It appeared that even diehard fans were left disappointed with 2004's Reality's Coming Through. The album's blandness was an especially hard blow considering that their 2002 Vagrant Records debut, Sorry About Tomorrow, was on par with their much-loved Triple Crown Records material. Hot Rod Circuit had … Read more
Hot Snakes
Audit in Progress
Swami (2004)
Where are they? Where did they go? Did they pull an At the Drive-In, or should I say a Jehu? Did they sink with California? No, unfortunately California is still a float. Those were my first thoughts about the whereabouts of Hot Snakes. I guess it had only been two years, though it seemed longer, so I decided to send … Read more
Hot Snakes
Jericho Sirens
Sub Pop (2018)
Hot Snakes first formed in 1999 and ran until 2005. They re-formed in 2011 for some tours and finally bring the rock in the new album Jericho Sirens, released in early 2018. For those unfamiliar with the group, members also play in Rocket From the Crypt, Drive Like Jehu, Obits, The Night Marchers, and more. There’s a familiar overlap in style between all these groups, … Read more
Hot Snakes
Peel Sessions
Swami (2005)
Last fall rock lost one of its true visionaries. John Peel was responsible for introducing the UK to acts like Pink Floyd, The Velvet Underground, The Smiths, The Undertones, Nirvana, The White Stripes, Napalm Death, Carcass, Extreme Noise Terror & Joy Division. How's that for diversity? It was an honor for any band to get to play Peel's BBC radio … Read more
Hot Water Music
Exister
Rise (2012)
In some ways, you have to seriously respect everything that Hot Water Music has accomplished over the course of their existence from their starting point circa 1993 despite what is now two break-ups, but the much lauded four piece drops their second comeback album with Exister, the band’s first studio album in since 2004’s The New What Next; and since … Read more
Hot Water Music
Till the Wheels Fall Off
No Idea (2008)
People who find this band excellent or entertaining have an intimate love affair with them and their blue collar, dirt under the fingernails, dyed in the wool punk rock. It was a sad day indeed when this foursome of the people called it quits (for the second or third time in their existence) after leaving behind a swath of full … Read more
Hotel Books
I'm Almost Happy Here, But I Never Feel At Home
In Vogue (2014)
Hotel Books' I'm Almost Happy Here But I Never Feel At Home is well-versed prose that at times can be a bit repetitive. Each verse has elements that are thought provoking and heartfelt which helps carry the album to make up for the repetition. The tone sets in almost immediately with the opening song, “Lose One Friend,” and quickly gets you accustomed … Read more
