Hot Hot Heat - Elevator

Well, I guess I have to start hating this band now. With a video on MTV, attention from mainstream media, and a sound that can best be described as “poppy”, if I don’t start bashing them the music snob foundation might rip up my membership card. But frankly, I don’t give a damn. This album is great, addictive; I can’t get enough of it, and I’m not afraid to admit it. When Make Up The Breakdown came out, I instantly fell in love with it. Every song was like a dose of crack that you became dependant on and couldn’t live without. Catchy and unique, the album was just plain fun. The only fear I had was that the disc was too sugary, and in time it would leave me with a stomach ache, but years later it still puts a smile on my face. Amazingly, Elevators actually one-ups its predecessor by improving on what few flaws the first disc had. My two real criticisms of the bands debut were that it sounded a bit shallow and thin, and that it was a bit too short, both in track length and number of tracks. Addressing the latter is the fact that the album contains 14 tracks (even though a couple are tiny fillers), a few of which actually eclipse the four minute mark. The real improvement however lies in the new depth of sound the band has discovered. After gaining access to increased budgets and studio time, a lot of bands fall into the trap of overproducing their sophomore release, throwing in everything and the kitchen sink. Elevator is a lesson in how to add layers without breaking the camels back. Songs sound denser with subtle additions (claps to the beat, tambourines, background sing-a-longs during the bridge, bells in the background) and the album feels a bit darker and more guitar-driven, or at the very least a heavier guitar sound than the last album, which was keyboard centric Each track on the disc brings something a little different to the table, while all are united in the dancability and groove. “You Owe Me And IOU” is arguably the culmination of the combination of every aspect of the band making the perfect pop song, while songs like “Jingle Jangle,” with very Phantom Planet sounding verse vocals, and “Shame On You”, which harnesses Cake-like bass lines and groove to go the distance, expand on the formula that produced their debut. The Jamaican influenced “Island Of The Honest Man,” and “Middle Of Nowhere,” which builds to a nice sing-a-long vibe at the prelude to the chorus, showcase a bit of the diversity the band has discovered. Reaching the finish line in style with the albums final cut, “Elevator,” which showcases the bands movement towards sculpting songs instead of 3 minute choruses of pop, you will instantly find your finger inching towards the repeat button. Simply put, this is an album that will get into your head and refuse to get out. Normally I would approach this disc as a shooting star (incredibly bright at first, but dying in time), but with a time tested debut under their belt, I have faith this disc will sustain its luster as the months go on. Beautifully crafted by the musical candy makers, you simply can’t ask for a better or more addictive pop/dance/rock (or whatever the hell you want to call it) album. [www.hothotheat.com]