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"The only thing odd or not-to-like about this album is its fairly ambiguous title. Other than that...

This is simply one of the best albums I have heard in years. Years. While 'A Flight and A Crash' was a major point of departure, stylistically, this album refines and improves upon that sound, while also harkening back to earlier work. If I had to define it in terms of prior releases (not fair to it at all), I'd say it bridges the gap between 'A Flight and A Crash,' and 'Fuel for the Hate Game,' both of which are phenomenal.

This is the kind of album that makes people start bands. Some of the most powerful, anthemic, inspiring music I have heard in a loooong time (maybe not since Flight/Crash). All the tracks are great (another thing, it's been awhile since I've had an album I can listen to the whole way through, not skipping a song), but Remedy (very Flight/Crash sounding), Trusty Chords, It's All related, The Sense, Not For Anyone, and Wayfarer (especially Wayfarer) are earth-shattering.

Now then, Many HC vets, scene purists, and fulltime naysayers with nothing beter to do with their lives than mumble/cry/shout 'sellout,' will be put off by the album's (and the band's) refusal to be entrenched within the narrow limits of any musical sub-genre, be it hardcore, post-punk, whatever... These guys play rock music. Label it as you will.

HWM: They tour [a lot] and put on some of the most intense and impassioned shows I've ever seen. Go check 'em out if you get the chance. Every album seems to move forward. Pick this up, you won't be let down. Scott Sinclair's artwork is especially fine (he does all their albums). The pictures tell a story, so for those of you who can't read... Let it never be said that HWM discriminates against the 'unliterate.'

PS, I was chagrined to see HWM slot in at # 10, in the recent Rolling Stone College Music Chart..."


HWM's most mature, creative album to date.   October 10, 2002
 7 out of 7 found this review helpful

I recently got this album at a cd release/concert in HWM's and my hometown of Gainesville, Florida. After giving it repeated listens, I can honestly say that it is the band's most mature album to date. Many fans criticize the band for being progressive, but in a punk music scene that is becoming increasingly stagnant, progression hardly sounds like a bad idea. The new album is a huge step above their previous effort, "A Flight and a Crash", taking the ambiguity of that album but making inspiring songs. Ever since the band landed a deal with Epitaph records, they have started to show increasing signs of creativity, using synthesizers and pianos in interesting places to create a sound that is both ambitious and beautiful. On this album, both lyrics and music are much less straightforward than on their previous efforts, making the replay value much, much higher. The lyrics are more introspective this time around, showcasing the first HWM lyrics about a romantic relationship that I've ever seen. The emotion is more subdued than the rawness of 1998's "No Division", which may prove to be more effective in the end, after repeated listenings. All in all, this album is scorching, just as all of the music this band has ever made. If they ever come even remotely close to your town, go see them. It will change your life if their music already hasn't.


Best album I have heard thus far, this year.   November 17, 2002
 7 out of 7 found this review helpful

The only thing odd or not-to-like about this album is its fairly ambiguous title. Other than that...

This is simply one of the best albums I have heard in years. Years. While 'A Flight and A Crash' was a major point of departure, stylistically, this album refines and improves upon that sound, while also harkening back to earlier work. If I had to define it in terms of prior releases (not fair to it at all), I'd say it bridges the gap between 'A Flight and A Crash,' and 'Fuel for the Hate Game,' both of which are phenomenal.

This is the kind of album that makes people start bands. Some of the most powerful, anthemic, inspiring music I have heard in a loooong time (maybe not since Flight/Crash). All the tracks are great (another thing, it's been awhile since I've had an album I can listen to the whole way through, not skipping a song), but Remedy (very Flight/Crash sounding), Trusty Chords, It's All related, The Sense, Not For Anyone, and Wayfarer (especially Wayfarer) are earth-shattering.

Now then, Many HC vets, scene purists, and fulltime naysayers with nothing beter to do with their lives than mumble/cry/shout 'sellout,' will be put off by the album's (and the band's) refusal to be entrenched within the narrow limits of any musical sub-genre, be it hardcore, post-punk, whatever... These guys play rock music. Label it as you will.

HWM: They tour [a lot] and put on some of the most intense and impassioned shows I've ever seen. Go check 'em out if you get the chance. Every album seems to move forward. Pick this up, you won't be let down. Scott Sinclair's artwork is especially fine (he does all their albums). The pictures tell a story, so for those of you who can't read... Let it never be said that HWM discriminates against the 'unliterate.'

PS, I was chagrined to see HWM slot in at # 10, in the recent Rolling Stone College Music Chart...


Best Punk record in the last 5 years   January 6, 2004
 6 out of 7 found this review helpful

I can hear some of you punk-o-philes snickering in the background...5 stars?
Listen up kids, this record is pure brilliance from start to finish. These cats finally stepped to a major and it shows. The production is stellar. The guitar sounds blast through your ear drums like a melodic frieght train, so raw and up front. The vocals are unpolished and heartfelt. Lyrically, Mr. Black grabs your soul and puts it all the way down into his personal gutter only to bring it back inches from the sun. Dare I mention the rhythm section, so tight...Inventive basslines and solid beating of the drums. This records keeps you rocking for the whole ride, never a dull moment.
I want to know where these guys get their influences...they are forging a new sound, a new rock and roll. These rockers are the anti-radio and bring hope for a new music that doesn't sound so much the radio people have come to loathe.


perhaps HWM's best album yet.   October 12, 2002
 5 out of 6 found this review helpful

it doesn't sound like old hwm, but that doesn't mean it isn't good. these songs are really catchy and poppy. "trusty chords" has hit single written all over it.
i don't feel hwm's awesome rhythm section is represented as well as it could be, and has been in the past. jason black is one of the best bass players ever and his style was much more prominent in hwm's previous releases.
overall i really enjoy this album a lot, it's a lot faster than usual, and much more melodic. the lyrics are great as always, and the band is just as tight and passionate as ever..some would say they're not - just because they're on epitaph.
don't worry about what label they're on, just listen to the music. it's good. hwm is evolving as musicians and their fans should try to grow with them. they are never going to record another 'fuel for the hate game'...most musicians don't want to keep doing the same thing over and over, and i doubt hot water music is any exception.