#hfhw

As of recent, the scene has become overridden with lo-fi masterminds, armed with fuzzy guitars and hip-swaying hooks, each attempting to emulate the sounds of their predecessors (most notably, Mac Demarco, King Krule, and Beach Fossils, to name a few).  Arguably, Hot Flash fits into that category.  Even with that said, though, there’s something about them that pushes them to the front of the pack.  

Since their debut with 2015’s Neapolitan and subsequent launch to stardom as Bay Area powerhouses, the boys have been in constant turbo-drive, showing no signs of stopping for a breather.  Their most recent release, “Glo Ride” (check out the accompanying music video that just came out!), is an ode to and late night drives and fleeting love. Being the first release since their sophomore record, Soaked (2017), it is certainly a refreshing reintroduction to what has made fans fall in love with them in the first place: their irresistible charm and ability to transition from the brink of shimmery cool to a quick-paced static buzz.  Played live, it’s even more of a dream.

As they took the stage in Hamden, the atmosphere was immediately heavy with energy, the audience preparing themselves to jump into action with the introduction of the first verse. Throughout their entire set, the tiny, dimly-lit room became a dance floor, a space where you could be unapologetically free, limbs flying about, and a widespread transformation into bobble head-like posture in full swing.  

During their last song, Jared set the crowd into a swell, poised with an accordion tucked into his elbow and a smile bright enough to direct air traffic. Looking around and witnessing the absolutely mesmerized appearance of the crowd surrounding me was truly such a beautiful sight, only adding to the already elated state I was in due to hearing songs that rival Mozart live.

As a fan, it’s always daunting to think about the prospect of meeting a musician/band that you really look up to and whose art you hold close to your heart.  There are the “can’t be bothered’s” who reek an aura that says that they’re completely unapproachable and “too cool for fans” (which can be disheartening!)

With the boys of Hot Flash, though, I immediately felt at home.  Supporting genuinely wonderful people who also happen to be immensely talented is one of the greatest feelings in the world and such can be promised to be exactly the case with them, even when I asked them to do ridiculous things for the photos we took pre-gig.  (I’d especially like to note Jared’s Vogue-esque technique in posing with a lime in hand and Ted’s willingness to pretend that he was taking a shower in order for me to get the perfect shot).  

This tour, the boys accompany Austin’s own Summer Salt and The Symposium of Chicago, IL, and it’s truly a lineup you won’t want to miss if you appreciate good tunes and want to experience three of the best in all of their glory.  

“It’s kind of like a family road trip from hell,” Ted laughed, in regards to this tour, probably skimming through nightmarish memories of sleepless nights driving through winding roads and cramming into the van alongside the rest of the crew.  Touring, though definitely having an emotional and physical toll, always brings the opportunity for something greater: exposure in new places, being able to meet new people, and even to chance indulge in a “Limp Briskit” from the pub next to the venue.  

One thing’s for certain, at least from my point of view, I’d love to have the opportunity to see them shred again and I look forward to seeing the great things that they’re bound to do in the future!

Their current leg is currently just about half-way done- make sure to check them out before it comes to a close!  Dates can be found here.

Also, make sure to keep up with the lads via their social media:

-Twitter: @HotFlashHeatWav