Review: JD Garrahy
Bands come and go. Some are good and have their 15 minutes or one hit wonder status, others have the staying power that so many cannot achieve. Hot Water Music, is a band of the latter statement, and their latest album VOWS is a true testament to why they’re such heavy hitters of this genre.
Now, I could do my usual track by track analysis, but that would be a very hard feat to pull off. So, in lieu of that, I will try my best to give you a taste of just what HWM are setting out to achieve with this offering.
Hitting straight into Menace, it’s easy to see that old punks can still deliver something of pure magnificence. Fast paced, heavy riffs and blistering percussive, HWM are masters of their punk sound.
The next 3 tracks just keep the brilliance coming. Searching For Light, Burn Forever and After The Impossible (featuring City and Colour), make it abundantly clear that not only punk tunes but also some rockin’ collaborations give this album a great insight into how Mr Ragan and Co. can deliver an album of fast paced punk, as well as some beautifully composed and vocally astounding works. (psst, those 3 tracks are my stand outs of the album). Moving onto Chewing On Broken Glass, we once again hear the signature growling vocals as well as some toe tapping instrumentals that I just can’t help but think that this track would fit perfectly in any Kevin Smith film.
As I stated before, the collaborations on this album are insane. Fences brings Thrice into the mix, and this has the vibe that feels like this track will garner many sing alongs at their live shows. Side Of The Road gives us a little taste back to HWM of old. Groove laced; funk punk is what I like to call it. THIS is a track that needs to have a single release of its own. Its epic in so many ways. Genre bending, vocally stunning and instrumentally beautiful, it has it all. (There it is kids, JD’s recommended track of the album. Take note).
The final 4 songs don’t let up one bit. With Calling Hours joining in on this track, it’s an amazing punk anthem where all i find myself doing is screaming the end of the chorus “I want my money back!” (as far from the truth as possible for this album). Bury Us All and Touch The Sun firstly wind down the pace but then kick into overdrive for the finale of the album to really stand out. And stand out it does.
If you’re a fan of Hot Water Music, you’re about to be rewarded. If not, then you will be a fan by the end of this epic album. Well, done lads, this has been an emotional and magical experience.
