Hot Hot Robot
Chicago, Illinois, United States | SELF
Music
Press
Today I’m reviewing Hot Hot Robot, who are a strange blend of rock genres, and it works in their favour most of the time. Their track “Get Out” is pop rock with punk and retro influences heavily in the mix, and it’s infectiously catchy – part Red Hot Chili Peppers and part Beatles with another part Jimmy Eat World. This polarity works for accessible rock with good songwriting, and that’s what we have displayed here. You can tell when a band is becoming seasoned and honing their chops – this particular track has both strong vocals and musicianship.
“You Know, You Know” and “No one Needs to Know” tread slightly less exciting songwriting territory, and may divide the more art-seeking listeners, though they stay true to the pop rock theme style-wise. Overall Hot Hot Robot does a good job of channelling the early 90's alternative energy but feel like they’re still evolving their sound. - Rock Is Rock
Today I’m reviewing Hot Hot Robot, who are a strange blend of rock genres, and it works in their favour most of the time. Their track “Get Out” is pop rock with punk and retro influences heavily in the mix, and it’s infectiously catchy – part Red Hot Chili Peppers and part Beatles with another part Jimmy Eat World. This polarity works for accessible rock with good songwriting, and that’s what we have displayed here. You can tell when a band is becoming seasoned and honing their chops – this particular track has both strong vocals and musicianship.
“You Know, You Know” and “No one Needs to Know” tread slightly less exciting songwriting territory, and may divide the more art-seeking listeners, though they stay true to the pop rock theme style-wise. Overall Hot Hot Robot does a good job of channelling the early 90's alternative energy but feel like they’re still evolving their sound. - Rock Is Rock
Chicago’s Hot Hot Robot new five song EP offers an adequate amount of power pop and modern rock to the Midwestern musical landscape. Covering the familiar lessons of bad relationships, love lost and breakups, HHR isn’t really exposing a ton of originality on the subject matter of the EP. However, the musicianship and production value on the record are pretty darn good and the world always needs more power pop. Vocalist Chris Bogosian has a great rock voice and at times reminded me of Chris Cornell or Dave Grohl. The band has pretty good energy as well throughout especially when they channel aspects of Cheap Trick or Material Issue. “Get out”, a good choice for opener and my favorite on the EP, contains a catchy, moody melody, effective bridge and a driving rhythm that would surely hook some rock fans. “You know, you know” offers some nifty vocal tracking and fine guitar work, although I didn’t really sense a hook in the chorus. “No one needs to know” contains some aggressive, emotive vocals and scorching guitar work although the production was a little predictable with the panned guitar solo in the middle of the track and overall the track seemed a bit long. “Running away” starts as a ballad but morphs into an effective rocker. “Over now” starts with a great tempo and contains a decent chorus and gritty lead guitar work. The enjoyed the up-tempo quality of this track and I imagine performed live fans be bouncing quite a bit. Overall, I think the EP is a good start toward establishing a signature sound and I could see more focus on the power pop aspects of HHR bringing them a wider audience. - DTP1 Music Reviews
Chicago’s Hot Hot Robot new five song EP offers an adequate amount of power pop and modern rock to the Midwestern musical landscape. Covering the familiar lessons of bad relationships, love lost and breakups, HHR isn’t really exposing a ton of originality on the subject matter of the EP. However, the musicianship and production value on the record are pretty darn good and the world always needs more power pop. Vocalist Chris Bogosian has a great rock voice and at times reminded me of Chris Cornell or Dave Grohl. The band has pretty good energy as well throughout especially when they channel aspects of Cheap Trick or Material Issue. “Get out”, a good choice for opener and my favorite on the EP, contains a catchy, moody melody, effective bridge and a driving rhythm that would surely hook some rock fans. “You know, you know” offers some nifty vocal tracking and fine guitar work, although I didn’t really sense a hook in the chorus. “No one needs to know” contains some aggressive, emotive vocals and scorching guitar work although the production was a little predictable with the panned guitar solo in the middle of the track and overall the track seemed a bit long. “Running away” starts as a ballad but morphs into an effective rocker. “Over now” starts with a great tempo and contains a decent chorus and gritty lead guitar work. The enjoyed the up-tempo quality of this track and I imagine performed live fans be bouncing quite a bit. Overall, I think the EP is a good start toward establishing a signature sound and I could see more focus on the power pop aspects of HHR bringing them a wider audience. - DTP1 Music Reviews
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
Hot Hot Robot in it's current form, began gigging in the spring of 2010. Formed in bowels of Sonic Palace Recording Studios (Oak Park, IL) by a diverse group of young men - with a diverse group of musical influences. A seasoned guitarist and songwriter who's been gigging in and around Chicago since the age of 15. A drummer who has played for such acts as; Destiny's Child, Common, Leigh Jones, and Dirty MF. A Minnesota transplant; an acolyte of the power of rhythm and the sanctity of the groove - holding down the bass. And another Chicago area musician, recently returned from the studios and stages of Nashville rocking on guitar.
Our video we shot for Budweiser Port of Paradise can be seen at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6R7W7YO4CYM&feature=player_embedded
Hot Hot Robot is: Chris Bogosian, of Naperville IL; Jonah Lather of Warrenville, IL; Paul Mackie of Chicago, IL; and Danya Thompson of Oak Park, IL.
With a diverse group of influences; including: Tom Petty, The Beatles, Muse, Cheap Trick, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Jimmy Eat World; this is a band of diverse tastes and talents.
"...is pop rock with punk and retro influences heavily in the mix, and it's infectiously catchy." - Rock is Rock (www.rockisrock.wordpress.com)
"...the musicianship and production value on the record are pretty darn good and the world always needs more power pop." - dtp1 Music Reviews
(dtp1musicreviews.blogspot.com)
Band Members
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