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Hot Water Music – VOWS
Equal Vision Records – Release Date: 5/10/24
Hot Water Music released their tenth studio album, VOWS, earlier this month and this year also marks the band’s 30th anniversary. To celebrate the occasion, they’ve crafted what is perhaps their most consistent record since 2002’s Caution. All of HWM’s choicest characteristics remain intact, with the addition of some modern influences and superb production, thereby elevating their tried-and-true formula to new heights.
“Searching for Light” addresses the different stages of life and how one’s views can change and evolve over time. It has a patient yet intense chorus, while the words clearly ring out, (“All the lessons turn into questions / Weighed down by the darkness, searching for light / All the lessons turn into questions / Break down, break down left to fertilize”). “Burn Forever” is led by singer/guitarist Chris Cresswell and features a buzzing, rhythmic guitar lead in its intro. The verse has somewhat of a post-punk feel before it transitions to the main hook, where a host of vocalists convey a sense of urgency. “After the Impossible” is one of the most beautiful songs that the band has ever written and contains especially heartfelt lyrics. Singer/guitarist Chuck Ragan is both vulnerable and hopeful, as he expresses a desire to hold out for something truly special, refusing to settle for anything less.
“Remnants” boasts contributions from singer Brendan Yates and drummer Daniel Fang of Turnstile, who named their band after a Hot Water Music song. The track illuminates the expert musicianship of HWM’s rhythm section, and presents a modern rock chorus that sounds like a natural progression for the band. “Bury Us All” is an extremely well-crafted song, with lyrics and music that mesh perfectly together. Its words are strikingly honest and speak of searching for comfort and stability in an uncertain world. VOWS concludes with “Much Love,” a triumphant love letter to the band’s fans. There’s a deep sentiment of gratitude, as they give thanks for the community that the band and their fans have built together over the years, (“So much in life won’t stay the same / But this right here will never change / We’ll raise a glass to you and sing / Much love, much love”).
The efforts of producer Brian McTernan on this record cannot be overstated. He brought together an array of guest musicians and varying influences, and was able to fuse all of these elements to create a unified vision. In short, the album flows incredibly well and sounds brilliant. In many ways, VOWS is peak Hot Water Music. Those who’ve ever enjoyed any of the band’s previous material shouldn’t wait to check this out.
J. Robbins Talks Godspeed… A Tribute to Pierre Kezdy
This Friday, a compilation titled Godspeed… A Tribute to Pierre Kezdy will be released, with 100% of profits donated directly to the family of the late Naked Raygun bassist. The album features Hot Water Music, Face to Face, J. Robbins, Swingin’ Utters, The Methadones, Josh Caterer of Smoking Popes, and others, all contributing their own renditions of Naked Raygun songs. Kezdy sadly passed away from cancer in October of 2020 and this tribute album consists of cover songs from artists who were influenced and inspired by Naked Raygun.
Continue Reading…Ship Thieves – Irruption
Chunksaah Records – Release Date: 3/12/21
Next month, Ship Thieves will release their fourth album, called Irruption. The band is fronted by Hot Water Music singer/guitarist Chris Wollard and also features members of Samiam and The Enablers. Irruption is their first full-length since 2016 and represents their most focused and cohesive material yet. The record charges out of the gate with “The Embers of Enlightenment,” a streamlined and urgent rocker that finds the Ship Thieves operating at peak efficiency. Wollard’s vocals sound authoritative and the accompanying “whoa-oh-oh” backing vocals are perfectly placed. It’s a great song to open the album with and just plain kicks ass. “Ghost Town” is dissonant and somewhat moody, and features impressive bass work that really drives the song. It also offers an interesting contrast of a speedy rhythm with a more relaxed vocal pace. “Tangled Net” has a prominent rock ‘n’ roll influence, with an underlying punk rock foundation. It boasts a rousing sing-a-along in the middle section that’s easily one of the best moments on the record. “Virulent Man” also bears mentioning, as it recalls early Foo Fighters and contains an exceptional guitar solo. Irruption plays like a complete work as its songs are interwoven and tell an overall story. The production, courtesy of Ryan Williams, is spot-on and really elevates the songs as well. Hopefully the band will have an opportunity to play them in a live setting later this year, assuming it’s safe to do so, because these songs are tailor-made for a loud and rowdy club show.
Hot Water Music
Earlier this month, Hot Water Music released their eighth full-length and second for Rise Records, entitled Light It Up. We spoke with singer/guitarist Chuck Ragan after the band’s recent set at Riot Fest and talked about the album in detail. We discussed its writing process, the band’s decision to produce the record themselves and its overall theme. We also conversed about the album’s lyrics, some of which are extremely personal to Ragan and address rather difficult times. Additionally, we touched on the band’s experience at Riot Fest, their plans for the remainder of the year and their outlook on the future. Light It Up finds Hot Water Music evoking some of their long-established traits, while concurrently welcoming new ideas, resulting in one of their most cohesive albums to date. Continue Reading…
Hot Water Music – “Turnstile”
Earlier this month, Hot Water Music released a live CD/DVD via No Idea Records. Entitled Live in Chicago, it was recorded over two nights at the Metro in February of 2008. The CD contains a total of 30 songs that span 90 minutes, while the DVD features 24 songs, including one that’s not found on the album. Live in Chicago is also available as a triple LP, on six different colors of vinyl that are limited to 550 copies each. Check out one of the songs from the DVD above, “Turnstile,” and be sure to catch Hot Water Music on their current tour with La Dispute and The Menzingers.
Hot Water Music
Chris Wollard by Katie Hovland
Earlier this year, Hot Water Music released their first full-length since 2004, entitled Exister. It’s the band’s first album for Rise Records and also their first time recording at The Blasting Room with producer Bill Stevenson. We spoke with singer/guitarist Chris Wollard after Hot Water Music’s recent performance at Riot Fest in Chicago and talked in detail about the new record. We also discussed touring, the band’s upcoming live album and more. Continue Reading…
Hot Water Music – Exister
Rise Records – Release Date: 5/15/12
After an eight-year hiatus, Gainesville, FL’s Hot Water Music has reemerged with a new full-length, titled Exister. What’s immediately evident is that the band is determined to break new ground and has little interest in revisiting the past. That alone is admirable, but the fact that they achieve their goal with ease is even more impressive. Singer/guitarist Chuck Ragan incorporates many of the styles from his successful solo career, while fellow singer/guitarist Chris Wollard shares what he’s learned in his other band, The Ship Thieves. Together they lead a group that sounds nothing short of revitalized. Ragan strikes first with the song “State of Grace,” which is a gruff call to arms that is sure to be a fan favorite at shows. Ragan again shines on “Drag My Body,” one of the album’s most dynamic and lyrically powerful tracks. The song also spotlights what is arguably punk rock’s finest rhythm section, and enough can’t be said about the talents of bassist Jason Black and drummer George Rebelo. Wollard dominates the second half of the record and makes his mark with a Foo Fighters-like entry called “Wrong Way.” It marches along with a haunting melody before giving way to a monster chorus that’s instantly memorable. He also takes charge on a tune called “The Traps,” a straightforward rocker with passionate vocals and intricate guitar leads. Exister is a great-sounding album, thanks to producer Bill Stevenson, and one that benefits from the band experimenting with different genres. After spending nearly a decade apart, Hot Water Music has returned in top form, sounding enthused, recharged and ready to craft more influential music for years to come.
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