Local music fans, it’s about that time to explore what is hot and what we should all know about! So many local acts are doing big things: The Front Bottoms just announced a tour with Say Anything, Brick + Mortar are all over radio, and so much more! It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside when locals are going on the right path. Anyway, it’s time to talk about some acts that need to get their butts in the limelight. This week, I am going to talk about a band that is getting a lot of buzz in the area that many people are demanding I check out.
Now, my friends over at Little Dickman Records in Asbury Park are always sending me some new tunes. Whether it’s on CD, vinyl or digital, they have everything covered. Many of their bands have been blowing up lately, and it’s really cool to see all of the momentum they are gaining. Have you checked out their label CD sampler? Trust me, you should. Anyway, time to get back to the business at hand.
I was given this group’s name, for their album release is over at the Asbury Lanes on April 19, and it will be my first time seeing them live. They go by the name of Hot Blood. Yeah, I will admit it that I was a little scared at first by the name, for it could appeal as gory, but it is far from it. This band rules, and I highly suggest you check them out if you are looking for something new and fresh. Like blood, their sound will flow all through your body, making you move.
Hot Blood are a hardcore/punk band from Asbury Park/Red Bank, with drummer Billy, guitarist Alex, guitarist/vocalist Kiley, and bassist Charzle. Their social media leaves a lot to the imagination, as they are very vague and open about what they are: a band. No glitz and glam, no thrill or fill, just loud, hard music. I first checked out their Minor Threat cover, “Seein’ Red,” and was immediately hooked. I really want to see this track live, for I can picture an immediate mosh pit and pushing section that I will most likely stay far away from (though they are pretty to watch).
I then opened my ears to an original, “Class Warfare.” Now, this song hits hard. If you are having a bad day at work and need to blast some music on your commute home, this is the song for you. I don’t necessarily understand the lyrics, but that doesn’t matter at all, for the sound is so heart wrenching you can literally feel the drums pounding out of your chest. Just the other day I put this song on my phone during a workout and felt like the ultimate warrior afterwards. Fans of heavy music need to listen to this one.
After “Class Warfare,” I think you should jump right into “Real Bad Case,” since it takes a complete 180. It’s more punk, almost bringing me back to the ’90s when music was still pretty real. You can understand this one completely, as it includes the line, “I’ve god a real bad case and nothing left to lose.” I think we can all relate to those lyrics to some situation in our everyday lives. I’d like to talk to whoever wrote this song and ask them what their inspiration behind it was, for it seems like a dark situation made light with amazing beats. This is the ultimate “F-U” anthem to anyone you may not like, want to seek non-violent revenge on, and just tell him or her to seriously back off. I think just by hitting play your haters would migrate away.
I also really love “Rolling Over,” which showcases awesome guitar lines in the intro and throughout. The drums are also awesome here. Again, on this one, you get that ultimate punk feel. For any of you out there that insist on proclaiming “punk is dead,” well, wake up suckers, because they are proof that it is alive and well.
If you want to know more about the band name, I cannot fill you in on that. You will have to buy their music and get out to their shows to see what it means. I have created my own definition, and I think you should do the same.
Be sure to get out to their album release party at the Asbury Lanes on Saturday, April 19. They will be playing with another one of my favorite bands of the moment, Mischief Kids, whom you should also check out. Maybe I will dedicate a column to them in the near future, for I am certain they will blow me away with their live set. You can also learn more about them online, and check out their music and Facebook page at facebook.com/hotbloodnj. I really hope to see some of you moshing out at this show, buying merch, and supporting local music. I also really hope this band has vinyl, for the sound of these heavy beats would be perfected on a 45.
I will be back next week with another local act that is causing a frenzy in the area, so keep on sending over those suggestions and submissions and let’s get the talent in the spotlight where it belongs! Keep supporting the local music scene, one day, one venue, and one band at a time!
