02 March 2010 (gig)
04 March 2010
After the sun sets on the first nice day we have had in months I head down to the excellent Scala in London’ Kings Cross, built in the 1920’s as a cinema it has hosted many bands since Iggy and the Stooges first played there in1972.
I am not that familiar with 'Hot Hot Heat’, apart from their big hit and a couple of their other singles but what I have heard I really like so I am looking forward tonight’s entertainment.
First up are 'Official secrets Act’, a gang of North London lads that blast out 1980’s style pop that reminds me of the 'Physcadelic Furs’ mixed with 'China Crisis’ and even a hint of 'Magazine’. The crowd lap them up and their energy and enthusiasm is infectious. They have some great songs so watch out for them in the future.
After a short break Vancouver’s Hot Hot Heat bounce on stage and even though they have a few technical difficulties rip straight into 'YVR’ (the international code for Vancouver airport), which is a chaotic blur of guitar, keyboards, hair and great vocals. This may not be the most polished performance I have seen a band give but they play as if their lives depended on it. The sound is a bit muddy tonight but I really love the organ riffs that appear to rise out of the guitar fuzz.
Nothing is more enjoyable than seeing a band enjoy themselves on stage and there is nothing worse when you see a group going through the motions. The mixed crowd have no worries tonight as the guys seem to be having the time of their lives.
Highlights from tonight’s set are 'Dirty mouth’, a great sing along anthem that gets the crowd jumping and 'Goodnight Goodnight’ which sends them into a frenzy.
The band leave the stage for a well deserved break and come back on to their huge hit 'Bandages’. The crowd are well warmed up by now and the downstairs section is a blur of heads, arms and pumping fists. They finish with 'Give up’ and 'Talk to me, dance with me’ and everyone leaves having had a great time.
Hot, Hot Heat are considered to be a bit of a one hit wonder but by tonight’s performance I am left wondering why. They have some great songs and deserve to be huge. Hopefully 2010 will be a good year for them.
