Acting as an early glimpse of hope for the UK scene this year, South Wales' Hot Damn unveil their latest 8-song effort, Sleep Alone.
Starting the record off with Sincerity, Hot Damn glisten listeners' ears with the arpeggiated melodic rings for a brief moment before transitioning into the thunderous refrains of vocalist Chris Evans, with "that’s what hurts me the most, you’re so distant but you’re still so close...", where the blunt words are layered with muted chugs before crashing into a section, whirling and sweeping listeners from the get-go. Sincerity is a great glimpse into the melodic intricacies that the record never ceases to evoke.
Worn Out is a sign of the band straying into new territory with its dark textures, which is produced from the ghastly guitar tones and subtle trills of a synth that adds a depth and a grand dynamic. The track fades before it is revived by a grunge edge for a brief moment with the way it cuts at any excesses. Worn Out definitely stands as one of the brightest moments on the record.
My Life In Your Eyes adds contrast, however still follows in the line of the sentiments and notions of angst, which are wedged within the record. As the song is reduced to the melancholic defeated disarray of frontman Chris Evans as he states "I feel like a wave being dragged through the ocean, because my head is spinning and my body’s not floating...", behind a wall of euphoric ambience. The middle eight sheds a sound riddled with emo guitar licks which would liken them to Mineral or American Football and is one of the many moments where the band employs a broad spectrum of sounds from their varied influences.
The record then transitions into the syncopated drum beat of I’d Hate Me Too. Here the band shows an advanced grasp of the song-writing craft. I’d Hate Me Too brandishes the catchiest and infectious chorus on the record. The record follows onto the title-track (which features a guest vocal spot from Killian Johnson of fellow Welsh band Cardinals) and continues to show Hot Damn’s advanced grasp on the song-writing craft as it trails at exhilarating speed infusing the presence of the band's early heavy pop punk/hardcore influence, however with a progressive alternative sound.
The first single, I’m Not An Island (You Have Nothing To Stand On), assumes anthemic status as its chorus knocks against the perimeters of your head until you are forced to sing along. The last two tracks, Willows and Nosebleed from the This Weather Makes It Feel Like Home EP, make a reappearance on Sleep Alone where Willows pervades the subtle creeping melodic charm that is prevalent, as frontman Chris Evans says with such a triumphant expression; "every cloud has a silver lining, yours are dull and mine are blinding...". Closer, Nosebleed, ties the record with the overarching notion of distance and discontent of the troubling direction and acknowledgement of the demons which can initiate despair in life.
Sleep Alone is an ambitious record worthy of all the garnered attention which can come its way. Hot Damn step out of their comfort zone, which has restricted them in previous incarnations of their sound, and shows them advancing on all areas feasible to stand on the soles of new shoes to brace the hollow steps of the treacherous new heights, which undoubtedly will come their way.
Tracklist:
1. Sincerity
2. Worn Out
3. My Life In Your Eyes
4. I'd Hate Me Too
5. Sleep Alone (Feat. Killian Johnson of Cardinals)
6. I Am Not An Island (You Have Nothing To Stand On)
7. Willows
8. Nosebleed
Rating:
Written by Aaron Akeredolu
