Hailing from sunny Florida with a stellar career of 30 years and 10 albums to their name, these punk rock veterans definitely show no signs of slowing down with their latest musical offering, VOWS. Produced by seasoned Hardcore veteran Brian McTernan and featuring guest artists such as Thrice, Calling All Hours, The Interrupters and many other amazing artists, the latest instalment in the Hot Water Music catalogue definitely has something for everyone.
Opening up with a Foos inspired riff opening track, ‘Menace’ with its punchy chorus and powerful groove – it had this one dancing around the house like a hopeless romantic, listening to old pop punk classics with the elements to match. I truly felt 16 again
Keeping the party going with a reflection on past mistakes and upbeat instrumentals, ‘Searching For Light’ gives one a sense of what can only be described as hopeful pessimism.
Flowing like a cross between Rise Against and Avenged Sevenfold, heavy on the bass, ‘Burn Forever’ leaves nothing less than a burning desire to hear more lethal drum and bass combos, such as that heard on this diamond in the rough. Changing pace for ‘After The Impossible’ featuring City and Colour, one thing is for certain. Even in punk rock collaborations like this one go a long way in enhancing what would otherwise be a simple yet still amazing track.
Coming in hot with another collaboration with Turnstile and bringing back the signature groove prominent on this album, ‘Remnants’ continues to delve deeper into modern punks’ potential. ‘Chewing On Broken Glass’ with its early-mid 2000s vibe rings true, it delivers in true nostalgia and bringing back those weekend memories we all like to look back on from time to time.
Charging on with another collaboration, this time with Thrice bringing in the second half with ‘Fences’. A definite frontrunner for next summer’s top anthem with a chorus that is sure to be sung on unison at Sunday sessions and backyard pool parties for many years to come. Bringing something new to the table with one of the tastiest guitar/drum combos that has been heard for many a moon, ‘Side Of The Road’ serves as a reminder that there is still plenty of juice left in the tank.
Hot off the press with another otherworldly collaboration with Calling Hours comes ‘Wildfire’, with an unexpected punch it’s in your face message of “pay me back or else” is executed in perfect fashion. Reminiscing on a youth that can never be re-captured, ‘Bury Us All’ brings us closer to the end with a real feel-good nostalgia high.
With some substance still left to offer, ‘Touch The Sun’ will go on to be very difficult to play at low volume going forward, with a continual theme of ear pleasing drum and bass. Closing up shop with one last collaboration with The Interrupters, ‘Much Love’ leaves you feeling like you’ve grown with the prior 11 tracks. The love is one hundred percent felt.
Modern punk rock shows no signs of slowly down with this 12 track. It is one album you will want to listen on repeat. Hot Water Music has a new fan here, with 7/10 stars. Be sure to grab a copy from 10 May, or pre-save on your favourite streaming service now.
