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HOT HOT HEAT specializes in re-creating and reinvigorating the geeky, abrasive pop pioneered by Elvis Costello, THE CARS, Joe Jackson, and especially XTC, whose Drums and Wires and English Settlement seem to have been particularly influential on Make Up The Breakdown. The album's shiny but unobtrusive production adds to its retro quality. That only adds to the charm of paranoid pop songs like No, Not Now, Bandages and Oh Goddamnit which with their tense hooks and witty wordplay, come close to matching the greatness of their influences. Fortunately, The band avoids sounding merely derivative because of the vitality and enthusiasm the band brings to its music virtually every track on the album bristles with nervous energy and catchy melodies that are entirely the group's own. Indeed, that the album packs so many tightly wound pop songs into just over half an hour is both a blessing and a curse -- on the first few listens, Make Up the Breakdown tends to whiz by in a blur of yelped, Andy Partridge-like vocals and angular riffs and rhythms. It's not until the final track, Cairo, that the members of Hot Hot Heat catch their breath and open up their sound. Based on a pretty, winding piano melody, the song offers a darker, slightly different twist on their style and suggests that they're preparing to make an even bigger leap on their next album than they did on this one. Still, what Hot Hot Heat lacks in diversity is more than made up for in quality. Make Up The Breakdown is an addictive, densely packed pop gem.Read full review
Verified purchase: No
Hot Hot Heat embodies a energetic optimistically pessimistic aura. if the strokes and franz ferdinand had a baby it'd be hot hot heat, catchy lyrics, odd acsents and an overall repeat listen.
Love, love, love this CD. It’s lively, fun and upbeat. I like track 4 and 8 the best. I highly recommend this CD over Hot Hot Heat’s others.
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