:: Hot Water Music - The New What Next

Hot Water Music

Florida four-piece Hot Water Music have been plugging away since the mid-90s, and this latest release is their third for Epitaph since signing with them in 2001. Ostensibly a punk band, much of their workmanlike rock lacks the dangerous thrills of many exponents of that genre. Only occasionally do this lot sound young and punky. The straining, throaty exhortations of vocalist/lyricist Chris Wollard, are too earnest by far, he and his cohorts often coming on like a sweaty early 90s hard rock act. Anyone remember The Almighty? Thought not. Elsewhere, such as on ‘Keep It Together’ we have monolithic riffing a-la Alice In Chains, sitting uncomfortably next to the choppy pop of ‘The Ebb And Flow’. Throughout, Wollard's husky roar does a passable job of emulating Joe Strummer. In fact, try to imagine The Clash forming a decade too late, with the 'flu, and minus the tunes. If that sounds like your cup of dishwater, buy this album.