Hot Snakes - Automatic Midnight

  by Cara Ross

published: 17 / 12 / 2001

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Review

Another brainchild from John Reis of Rocket from the Crypt and Drive like Jehu fame, only this time in the form of Hot Snakes out of San Diego, California. Featuring prominently as well are Rick Fork, also from Jehu, Jason Kourkounis of the Delta 72, and Gar Wood of Tanner. Another great release brought to us by Sympathy for the Record Industry in conjunction with Reis' own newish label, Swami Recordings. Definitely an all-star cast, and with those kinds of credentials and history backing a project like this, there's little guesswork involved in what this album will sound like, and no doubt as to the merits of how good it is. The addition of the Delta 72's Jason Kourkounis on drums is what sets this record apart from RFTC and Jehu recordings before it. Otherwise it might be just another Drive Like Jehu album. Kourkounis' intense underlying pounding is what bridges that difference, with kind of a higher energy, and messier feel. But definitely, if you're a fan of either band,you will be here as well A great album from start to finish with the consistency of no one track being better than the last, just solid, tight,American indie-punk from start to finish. A side project? Well, maybe, we'll see. Are Jehu and RFTC finally back? Well, not exactly, but close enough to count.

Track Listing:-

1 If Credit's What Matters I'll Take Credit
2 Automatic Midnight
3 No Hands
4 Salton City
5 10th Planet
6 Light Up The Stars
7 Our Work Fills The Pews
8 Past Lives
9 Mystery Boy
10 Apartment O
11 Let It Come