HOT ROD CIRCUIT “The Underground Is A Dying Breed”
I’m not so sure that the underground is a dying breed (though if you read a certain website it sure feels that way), but after HOT ROD CIRCUIT’s strikingly disappointing 2004 full-length, Reality’s Coming Through, it seemed like this band was a dying endeavor. However, after nearly three years of quiet-time, a label shift to growing upstart Immortal Records, and a rejuvenated sense of spirit, we’re finally treated to the same band that so easily won us over with their terrific 2002 breakout release Sorry About Tomorrow. Everything that made HOT ROD CIRCUIT a compelling band is back on Underground, and the group’s thorough blend of guitar-driven emo, indie, and classic rock/alt-country twang sounds downright fresh. Underground’s positive traits can be categorized into three elements: 1) More than one single on the album (“Stateside,” “Vampire,” and “Cali” are instantly memorable after the first listen); 2) A superbly balanced, timeless recording style that properly emphasizes the lead vocals (which are Andy Jackson’s best to date), and places some polish on drummer Dan Duggins’ hard-hitting goodness; and 3) Twelve songs in 37 minutes, with no break in the action. Underground practically begs to be listened in the car, or in an office behind a closed door, where air drumming and reckless sing-a-longs can go unnoticed. Welcome back HOT ROD CIRCUIT, I hope you stick around for awhile.
Immortal
