ALBUM REVIEW: Vows – Hot Water Music
Since their inception three decades ago, Florida punk outfit HOT WATER MUSIC have solidified themselves as one of the most essential American punk bands to date. Over the course of ten albums, they have become a pillar of American punk that have remained the source of influence and inspiration to many bands far and wide. With 2024 signalling 30 years since they first started, it only seems right that they mark this incredible landmark in their career with their latest offering, Vows.
As soon as you hit play, you’re thrust into the world of Vows at what feels like 100mph. The opening track Menace was one of two lead singles and is a testament to the band’s style of playing. It’s fast, it’s furious and above all it’s full of heart. The pummelling guitars are complimented superbly by the dual vocals of both Chuck Ragan and Chris Wollard, however it’s Ragan’s grizzled barrel-chested growls that stand head and shoulders above the rest, remaining as impressive as they were back in the beginning of the band. Up next is the album highlight Searching For Light. The thunderous cacophony of sound remains but this time slows things down a little. However, the song itself is an incredible anthem that will have you wanting to to pump your fist in the air and sing as loud as possible along with it.
The band follow this with the mosh-pit inducing Burn Forever, the second of two lead singles that were released together in the run up to the album. This track in particular is a testament to HOT WATER MUSIC themselves, as they play with such vigour and are such a tight unit that you almost forget they’re all approaching their fifties. After The Impossible is next and it features the first of four guests that appear on the record whilst bringing in a welcome change of pace and slowing things down slightly. There’s a stadium rock vibe about it, with the anthemic verses and choruses backed up by CITY AND COLOUR (Dallas Green) which gives a lovely juxtaposition alongside the world weary tones of Ragan.
Remnants shakes things up slightly; whilst the roots of the huge chugging guitars remain, it’s the drumming throughout this track that keeps things interesting as a groovy little bongo beat runs alongside the normal drum kit in a very welcome change. It doesn’t feel out of place whatsoever as it helps the song reach its excellent final crescendo as it continues to build throughout. Welcoming in another guest on the album is the excellent Fences. It’s hands down one of the best songs on Vows, bolstered by the welcome addition of post-hardcore icons THRICE. At times as well it does feel like it could fit on any record by THRICE themselves and it’s yet another track that will have you punching the air thanks to its cathartic nature.
This continues towards the back end of the album. Bury Us All is a song that’s ready made for live shows. It ticks all the boxes for one of those songs where you’ll be wanting to scream along with arms around your mates or strangers. It’s got a good emotional tone to it that will have you wanting to play it almost instantly after hearing it. Seeing out the album is the nice and, in HOT WATER MUSIC terms quite low-key, Much Love. Backed up on vocals by the excellent INTERRUPTERS, it’s an ode to all those around you who bring you the best moments in life, making you reminisce about what has been while also looking ahead to the future.
Overall, Vows is one of the best releases you’ll listen to this year. It’s everything we’ve come to know and love about HOT WATER MUSIC over the last 30 years and will leave you wanting more from them as soon as the final song finishes, so no doubt you’ll play it again straight away. It does at times walk the fine line of a few songs sounding the same, but the group play and sing on this record so well together, it’s easily forgiven. If you’ve been having a hard time lately, then Vows is for you. It’s about growth, the nostalgia of looking back at everything in your life and how exciting the future will be for you. HOT WATER MUSIC have once again delivered something truly great.
Rating: 8/10
Vows is out now via End Hits Records.
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