Make Up the Breakdown

Hot Hot Heat

Sub Pop Records

… Make Up the Breakdown

Hot Hot Heat

Sub Pop Records

Does anyone like rock ‘n’ roll? The definition of rock changes on almost a daily basis. It’s gone from retro sounds to emo to heavy entourages. What we have here is another band bringing an old-school sound reminiscent of what people remember as cheesy and dancey rock from the ’80s. Yes, Hot Hot Heat brings forth some of their most impressive work on this full-length effort, Make Up the Breakdown.

Just the pace of the songs will have you moving around or at least tapping your toe to the beats. It has an extremely optimistic feel, and at times, the lyrics seem nonsensical. That shouldn’t stop you from soaking in all the bright sun that this record shines on you. Comprised of four well-dressed men who go by the names of Dustin Hawthorne, Steve Bays, Paul Hawley and Dante Decaro, the album itself even has a retro feel to it. Even though I know I’ll get some flak for this, it Hot Hot Heat could be The Cure of the new millennium.

The instruments are raw, and there’s even keyboard melodies strewn about on the disc. Some of the best tunes on here include the second track “No, Not Now” and the infectiously poppy “Bandages.” This record isn’t for those kids looking for something mellow or sappy. This is great if you’re throwing yourself a little dance party or really enjoyed the ’80s.

Make Up the Breakdown is a lot of fun. With all of the incredibly cliched bands of the new millennium, something needs to pass through the filters as unique. Count on Hot Hot Heat to answer that call, and create an environment of swirling and soothing rock to show the world just how cool and fun life can be.