ALBUM REVIEW: Against The Odds Because We’re Gods – Hot Apollo
Canadian punk rockers, HOT APOLLO, have put out their newest record, Against The Odds Because We’re Gods. In the past decade, the Toronto quartet gained popularity within the club scene due to their combination of dance beats with rock n roll riffs and punk vocals, becoming self-proclaimed as the city’s “shiniest band”. With that, and the timing of the release, HOT APOLLO have created a record that will soundtrack any upcoming New Year’s Eve parties.
From start to finish, the tone never dips below anything relating to energy and volume, meaning that we’re in for a fun time with songs that one can dance whilst also encouraging the occasional mosh pit. Wouldn’t that be fun to witness at a party? Opening things up is We’re Hot Apollo which, if the title doesn’t give it away, acts as, and we quote, the band’s “superhero cartoon theme song”. The track itself brings together both the smoother elements of a rock n roll composition whilst bringing in a rougher side with shouty punk vocals. With that, and a solid electric guitar solo, we’re left with a strong first impression and wishing other artists would create their own superhero theme tune.
The album itself appears heavily influenced by dance punk with the incorporation of dance and disco melodies that make a appearance on many songs including So Toned Up, that features echoing synths and funky beats that, on paper, shouldn’t work with the rough vocals, and yet it does in the best way. Although the false ending feels a little wasted in this instance where instead of ending with a bang, we instead just hear repeated uttering of the title itself. Not awful but not really needed. Slayance also stands out with its smooth disco infused melody that somehow manages to capture vibes of a conflicting nature: to relax and to get up and dance. Maybe the two things can be done at the same time?
And, as previously stated, when we’re not dancing we’re encouraged to open the nearest pit and, in perhaps a more controlled manner, throw hands alongside fast, bouncy songs like Priorites, which has a beat that one simply cannot ignore and not bop your ahead along to; and Gjallarbru that is perhaps to most ‘edgy’ sounding song with the punk vocals shifting into a more theatrical territory that one could compare to earlier punk bands like that of THE DAMNED.
We would also like to take the time to shout out is the incredible bassline heard in the opening notes of Beltane. Seriously, it sounds incredible. A fun record to dance to, as well as jump into the nearest pit to. Its unconventional pairings have worked out in the best way and you’re in for a chaotic, yet brilliant, listening experience.
Rating: 7/10
Against The Odds Because We’re Gods out now via SelfMadeRecords.
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