Track Listing
Menace
Searching For Light
Burn Forever
After The Impossible
Remnants
Chewing On Broken Glass
Fences
Side Of The Road
Wildfire
Bury Us All
Touch The Sun
Much Love
Punk band Hot Water Music has been an outfit on the scene since 1994. They’ve earned cult status as a true mainstay, a group of musicians who have shown their talents over many albums.
Led by Chuck Ragan, a beloved musician in the scene, the band has delivered a more polished record in VOWS.
It isn’t polished to the point it becomes poppy, it just feels more refined and less raw. This shows the band can mix things up, delivering songs that resonate with more meaning and scope. Hot Water Music has always pinpointed emotion when creating content too, committing to the written word, and breaking conventions, as their punk spirit evolves.
VOWS is a well-expressed album, gifting us with songs that don’t miss the mark. It really is a fascinating battle as Ragan fights his demons head-on, trying to eradicate them from his daily life. His rough and ready voice nearly bursts but refrains from doing such a thing as the singer/songwriter remains in his element.
‘Menace’ starts the album off. It’s a straight-in-your-face punk song with a polished chorus that’s catchy as hell. It’s a gratifying beginning.
‘Remnants’ shows Ragan’s anger but he screams for hope. The song will remind many of the band’s earlier work, as those guitar riffs escalate.
‘Bury Us All’ begins as a sure punk song. The chorus again infectiously generates a polished feeling, though it doesn’t taint the overall production. Ragan sounds rejuvenated but enraged by the state of things.
Hot Water Music does well here to create punk energy without falling too deep into pop dramatics. Their sound still resonates on such a level, where the fans hold onto every riff and word.
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Verdict - 8.5/10
8.5/10