Rock ‘n’ roll will never die - at least, not if it’s in the hands of Hot Suede. The Kansas City quintet come hurtling out of the gate with an updated take on a classic style that drips with confidence. Their self-titled is a twelve-song romp that works regardless of where it’s played - via speakers, in intimate clubs or on bigger stages.
The first wave that hits is of that good ol’ American feel, the timeless classic rock of the 70s & 80s as heard in the Queen-inspired “Occasional Lover”. Rather than getting caught up in nostalgia, however, Hot Suede modernize this formula by also take from the (relatively) newer school of crunchy riffing - your Queens of the Stone Age and Soundgarden - and the result is electric. Bobby Topaz is in his element as he croons and belts in equal measure over hit after hit, echoing Chris Cornell’s potent pipes such as on “The Otherside”, while the melodies traded on “Tell Me” by Doug Nelson and Scott Reed are flawlessly crafted and instantly catchy.
Not only have the band clearly taken the time to make a strong impression with their music, but they’ve also taken care over the sound of the record - everything sounds pristine, down to the enthusiastic drumming of Brett Southard. It all contributes to a final solid product - even when the band branch out into the unknown, like the nod to Pink Floyd on “Good Maroon” - it feels natural and part of the band’s esthetic.
By the time the record winds to a close, 43 minutes later, the listener has certainly “got what they came for”: a fun rock album which sets the band firmly on a path of success - and based on initial reactions, that success is just around the corner.
Tracklisting: Roll A Bone The Otherside Forget About You Get What You Came For Watch Me Burn Make It Harder Got It Made Interlude Tell Me Occasional Lover The Trail Good Maroon
Hot Suede are: Bobby W. Topaz - Vocals Doug Nelson - Guitar Scott Reed - Guitar Brett Southard - Drums Chad Toney - Bass
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