Hot Hot Heat have been one of the bands that's been sort of a constant in my life for a few years now. I first heard them on Yo Gabba Gabba when I was around 6 or 7 (I don't really remember, ok??) and since I (re)discovered them at the same time I heard other bands I now love (the Strokes, Ok Go, etc). Last year, they released their final album, titled simply Hot Hot Heat. Let's get to the review! Kid Who Stays In The PictureThis song feels magical to me. Everything about it. Everything. Definitely a strong first track, and it has that classic Hot Hot Heat flair (or should I say flare? Because flares are fire and fire is hot and hot hot heat hahahaha). Modern MindSo far, this song reminds me of MGMT. The instrumentals are... A lot, to say the least, but it sound really good and not cluttered at all. Even though it has a sound that reminds me of MGMT, it still sounds like classic Hot Hot Heat. Pulling LeversI love how the guitar and piano mirror each other in the intro. The lyrics and vocals are also really nice, and I really like Steve Bays's vocal style. This album is wonderfully put together so far, and this song has a bit of a Room On Fire sound, which I love. Bobby Joan -- (y'know, this blog has to stay clean...)Contrary to what the title might have you thinking, this song is really sweet and nearly nostalgic, about changing and moving on from your old reputation and hometown. I also like the 'be yourself' message this song shows. The instrumentals are really nice, too. The guitar and synth kind of dance around the vocals, which is a theme I've noticed in many Hot Hot Heat songs. I also like the backup vocals. MagnitudeHonestly, I'd be lying if I said this wasn't the most beautiful song I've listened to in quite some time. I love the piano throughout the song, especially because it gives off this warm but far away vibe. I don't know why this song makes me feel so nostalgic, but it does. I love how all of the instruments play off each other, that effect gives the song a vibe that I can't even name. !!!INTERMISSION!!!Okay, I just found out Hot Hot Heat's frontman, Steve Bays (the first commenter on the blog, actually) nearly died last week. Steve, I'm so glad you're feeling better and we here at Twilight Collective wish you a speedy recovery!! Get some rest and rock on. Pet a dog or another fluffy and emotionally supportive animal. We love you!!!! Mayor Of The CityI'm starting to think this album is about a group of people all living in a town or city together. I mean, maybe it's just me, but I definitely feel those themes. I like the drums and guitar in this one, and of course Steve's vocals. This song went quite quickly for me, but in a good way! I didn't even have time to focus on the lyrics. Alaskan Midnight SunThis song seems really fun and light, but I think the lyrics suggest otherwise. Sorry, I'm really tired. I closed my eyes and really just felt this song and its lyrics. I like the playful guitar throughout this song. So far, this is my second favorite song on this album, right after Magnitude. Comeback of the CenturyThis song is giving me vibes similar to the Strokes' Angles, but it still sounds very Hot Hot Heat and definitely has their signature strong sound. I think I'll go back through this song and focus on the lyrics, since, like the Strokes, the instrumentals overpower the lyrical message. this album sure was the comeback of the century! Sad Sad SituationI really like the guitar in this song. It feels nearly beachy to me. I also like the synth and percussion. I really need some sleep. This song almost reminds me of Hot Hot Heat's song about going outside from Canadian/American kids' TV show Yo Gabba Gabba. I remember watching that episode and thinking the band were pretty cool dudes. I actually didn't know the bands were real bands until I found out Weezer were on it, and then found out many of my other favorite bands were on it too! Yeah, I'm really tired, but I liked this song a lot! I also like how a lot of the songs on this album stop suddenly, which is kind of the exact opposite of one of the other albums I've reviewed recently... The Memory's HereHot Hot Heat, you may be gone, but your memory will always stick around. This song was actually less synthy-sweet than I expected, with an energetic bass line right from the beginning. This song makes me want to go on a quest. I have a feeling this song is about the end of Hot Hot Heat, but I won't judge. Julian Casablancas's Out Of The Blue was about what he saw as disinterest with the Strokes, so you can see where I'm coming from. But Franz Ferdinand's Goodbye Lovers and Friends wasn't about the end of their career, so maybe I'm wrong. Anyway, a simple but powerful song with an important message. ConclusionHonestly, you get the same kind of rush reviewing a final album as you do a debut album. With a debut, it's this feeling that this is all they have out and that's all they can be judged on, but with a final album you feel like you have to find a message or a statement that represent's the band or artist's career, as that is the last you'll be hearing from them under that name. This album is by no means the death of Hot Hot Heat, but a revival of sorts. This album was strong, nostalgic, and definitely a good end to Hot Hot Heat's 17 year run.
Stay cool, I'll see you soon. I haven't been able to write much because of finals and other end of year events, but that'll change soon!
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About The AuthorLiah is a high school senior who plays guitar and loves the color yellow. She doesn't post much, but when she does, it's awesome. We promise.
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