While many fans may grab Hot Hot Heat's new album Happiness LTD. for their next dance party, only a handful of songs will be worthy of the bash.
Compared to previous albums from the Canadian quartet, Happiness is not nearly as upbeat, accenting the overall heartache mood of the CD.
And yet, despite the dimness of the record, the band has clearly matured, and its lyrical content and overall sound reflect it. It seems that problems of love and disappointment are becoming less of a game and more of a reality for Hot Hot Heat.
"I'm outta my soul, I'm out in the dark/I'm outta my mind, and I'm outta my heart," sings front man Steve Bays.
These serious undertones reflect a far more melancholy Heat than fans are used to.
Happiness LTD. reveals the band's dynamic characteristics, implying that the happy nature of their early works is, in fact, a thing of the past.
Heat listeners are accustomed to the unique sound of the band, and in this case, the synth-punkers' music most closely reflects Phantom Planet crossed with The Strokes, not to mention some spectacular keyboard playing.
This, along with their innovative lyrics, makes these boys from Victoria a credible rock act.
Cleverly deciding to throw in a remake of one their first songs ever written, "5 Times Out of 100," the band allows fans to listen for the subtle differences between their old and new material.
Heat has always delivered powerful, catchy choruses, and they continue to do so on this album. To improve the package, they now boast more respect for melody as well as a serious concern for emotion.
While the darker tones on Happiness LTD. may be disillusioning to some, many will enjoy a more mature and appealing Hot Hot Heat this time around.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
