I instantly loved Hot Hot Heat's debut album, Make Up the Breakdown. So much so that after a couple months of constant rotation in my stereo, the album had completely worn itself out. The best albums leave you finding something new even after a hundred listens; with Hot Hot Heat, the point came too quickly when there was nothing left for me to discover. For all its glorious infectiousness, I did have questions about the band's staying power. I still stand by the album as a set of well-written, incredibly fun pop songs, and after some significant time off, I can now listen to it again when I'm looking for a good pick-me-up. However, when approaching Elevator this time around, I knew I had to keep that experience in the back of my mind.
With a band's sophomore album, the same questions usually arise; how has their sound changed? Have they "matured" in some way? The answer for Hot Hot Heat in both cases is, no, not really. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing; I don't think anyone really expected (or wanted, even) a whole lot of growth from this band, and they've definitely maintained the youthful vigor that makes their music so instantly enjoyable. I mean, really, what would a "mature" version of Hot Hot Heat sound like? But maybe that's where the problem lies for Hot Hot Heat; this isn't a disappointing album because the expectations set for them didn't seem to be that high in the first place. And to be honest, I'm not exactly sure why that is. Maybe they've just chosen a sound for themselves that doesn't really have a whole lot of room to grow, and everyone, no matter how much they loved that sound, sort of knew it.
I really struggled in writing this review because an album like this is such a tough call. The truth is, these are all very solid songs that continue in the vein of Make Up the Breakdown; irresistible, melodic, keyboard-driven pop. I like it. I've had "Island of the Honest Man" stuck in my head all week, and so far, I'm not complaining. It's impossible to listen to this album without nodding your head and tapping your feet. But then I remember what happened the last time this band got stuck in my head, and I wonder how much longer I'll want to listen to Elevator before it, too, wears itself out.
I guess whether or not Elevator is worth picking up for you depends on just what you want from Hot Hot Heat. If you liked Make Up the Breakdown, still like it, and want more of the Hot Hot Heat you've come to know and love, then knock that rating up another .5 or so and walk briskly to the nearest record store to buy it. If you had serious expectations of change and growth from the Canadian foursome, chances are this won't be the album to fulfill them. And if you're like me, then check it out, play it at work when you need something to lift your bored and jaded spirits... and know when it's time to turn it off.
1. Running Out of Time
2. Goodnight Goodnight
3. Ladies and Gentlemen
4. You Owe Me an IOU
5. No Jokes- Fact
6. Jingle Jangle
7. Pickin' It Up
8. Island of the Honest Man
9. Middle of Nowhere
10. Dirty Mouth
11. Soldier in a Box
12. Shame on You
13. Elevator
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