WEEKEND THROWBACK
“Bandages”
from the album Make Up the Breakdown
2002
iTunes
September 1, 2003:
“No, Not Now” begins with wonderful new wave promise. The drums skitter with reckless abandon, the guitars bounce all over the place, the organ starts off with a decidedly manic tone and it only gets crazier. Lead singer Steve Bays pouts frantically over this hysteric backdrop. Unlike more recent “post-punk” groups, Hot Hot Heat manages to sound quite earnest in addition to their typically off-kilter sound. Perhaps it could be that the lyrics are less indie-cryptic, or perhaps the yelp is more genuine, but in the end the result is clear: it all comes off with much more style.
One of the band’s strongest assets is its tight sense of group work. The band seems to have rehearsed this material endlessly, mastering every pause and hiccup with a rare flair for cohesiveness. Take the cymbal patterns in the chorus of “Get in or Get out” for example, a wonderful display of the band’s shared rhythm. While things may lean a little towards the Yes side of things, it is all pulled back into a more pleasing reality by the almost ridiculously upbeat nature.
It is this upbeat quality that makes this album so great. The band is not afraid to run with a constantly effectively infective groove. Song after song finds the group employing music that would be minor-key downers in the hands of anyone else. Take “Bandages”: the song is turned into bombastic and effective off-kilter anthem after its slow start. “Bandages” is a particularly interesting song, where Steve Bays’ voice is forced into our ear through nearly every instant of the verses, ‘I’ve been shakin for makin an awful decision I’ve been thinking I’ve been drinking too many drinks by myself.’ It goes on and on without missing a moment.
Here’s another weird thing. Bays is actually able to pull off the opening lines of “Oh, Goddamnit”. ‘Regular exposure to insecticide has caused me to break out in hives. I’m losing weight. I cannot wait till Saturday… cuz on Saturday, my tax deductions make me function like a blue-collar… white collar…? …I don’t know so I gotta holler.’ As ridiculous as it looks, he pulls it off. I’m as shocked as you. In addition to not sinking like a stone, this song is one of the better cuts on the album.
“In Cairo” is the album’s most obvious dud. Taking the album out on a repetitive and dull groove, the song has little to offer. The song takes its time to go nowhere; unenthusiastic rubber guitar lines and slowed-down-so-not-that-exciting drums force it to an early grave. The vocal harmonies are a plus, but the droning length of nearly five minutes is a giant minus.
Make up the Breakdown is a strong album. The songs are exciting and varied. The ending is a bit dull, but this can be overlooked, as nearly every moment of every song that preceded it is very interesting.