Beta Band - Hotshots Part 2
by Maarten Schiethart
published: 17 / 12 / 2001

Label:
Regal
Format: CD
intro
Exclusively releasing albums in the summer, The Beta Band raise temperatures for a second time. The advance single caused a bit of a stir, but sufficient signals got through, The Beta Band weren't i
Exclusively releasing albums in the summer, The Beta Band raise temperatures for a second time. The advance single caused a bit of a stir, but sufficient signals got through, The Beta Band weren't into repeating the same old format. For 'Hot Shots II' The Beta Band parted company with Chris Allison and the second album is produced by C-Swing, asked in because of his work with a.o. Jamelia. It on the majestic 'Hot Shots II' that the sometimes silky C-Swing touch proves to be the one to be. With harmony and percussion lifted into clarity, The Beta Band confidently experiment with song structure, relying on beats to create a solid sound . Folky psychedelic rock breakbeat jugglers, The Beta Band build on the mighty sound from their debut. of 'Broken Up A Ding Dong'.There is no more lengthy meandering. On the first album, The Beta Band started with a rap on champagne at EMI HQ, while 'Hot Shots II' finishes with the line "no pizza for them"... Still, their orientation towards the breakbeats decorates the Betas ' edgy songs with joyous elegance. Outbursts are allowed, but are harsh yet funky. Comparing at times to The Fall, the Beta Band have also turned to lounge and psychedelic pop. By holding themselves back,the Beta Band have very much benefited 'Hot Shots II'. I quite prefer this to 'Kid A'. 'Hot Shots II' is a matured blend ; exotic, refreshing, and innovated.
Track Listing:-
1 Squares2 Al Sharp
3 Human Being
4 Dragon
5 Life
6 Broke
7 Quiet
8 Alledged
9 Gone
10 Eclipsed
reviews |
Best Of The Beta Band (2005) |
![]() |
Double CD farewell from the now disbanded Beta Band, which consists of both studio and live tracks |
Heroes To Zeroes (2004) |
most viewed articles
current edition
Spear Of Destiny - InterviewRobert Forster - Interview
Fiona Hutchings - Interview
When Rivers Meet - Waterfront, Norwich, 29/5/2025
Carl Ewens - David Bowie 1964 to 1982 On Track: Every Album, Every Song
Brian Wilson - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Chris Wade - Interview
Pistol Daisys - Waterfront, Norwich, 29/5/2025
Credits - ARC, Liverpool, 17/5.2025
Gary Numan - Berserker
most viewed reviews
current edition
Peter Doolan - I Am a Tree Rooted to the Spot and a Snake Moves Around Me,in a CircleGarbage - Let All That We Imagine Be The Light
Vinny Peculiar - Things Too Long Left Unsaid
Little Simz - Lotus
John McKay - Sixes and #Sevens
Suzanne Vega - Flying With Angels
HAIM - I Quit
Morcheeba - Escape The Chaos
Vultures - Liz Kershaw Session 16.06.88
Billy Nomates - Metalhorse
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart