There's something about Hot Water Music's latest outing that feels, in the purest sense possible, truly victorious. It takes their discography into double figures and underlines their heavy influence over a generation of gruffly emotive punk bands, displaying a sound that's been sharpened to a point over the past 30 years.
They've brought some friends along to the party in the form of Turnstile, City and Color, Thrice and The Interrupters but, for the most part, the Gainesville band remain steadfast and dependable. And it's hardly a criticism that 'Vows' sounds exactly like a Hot Water Music record.
They crash in with opener Menace, which glimmers with bright guitar chords and a sense of big-hearted rowdiness, while the skyscraping Burn Forever and the crunchy riffs of Remnants push the band's sharper, grittier side into the foreground.
Vows coverart
Later, Chewing On Broken Glass offers a choppy, jaunty slice of rugged punk mayhem, closing the book on a front-loaded first half.
They've got balladry all covered, too. After The Impossible swells beautifully with its soaring guitar line and a stellar guest turn from Dallas Green of Alexisonfire and City And Color, while Side Of The Road is a quietly majestic ode to relinquishing control and pushing forwards irrespective of the obstacles life throws.
It's a much-needed highlight in a not entirely flawless second half, which is perhaps lacking some of the standout moments that the first stanza possesses. In particular, closer Much Love suffers by burying the contributions of The Interrupters a little. All things considered, though, 'Vows' is another excellent contribution to Hot Water Music's already stacked discography, displaying just why they have been able to stand strong through three decades, two break-ups and countless passing trends.
Hot Water Music Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Fri May 17 2024 - DALLAS Texas - South Side Music Hall (USA)
Sat May 18 2024 - SAN ANTONIO Texas - Paper Tiger (USA)
