This will be the record that saves 2007 from completely being taken over by the Fall Out Boys of the world [you can quote me on that]. “The Underground is a Dying Breed” is a perfect title for this album that shows Hot Rod Circuit has always stayed true to the music they believe in whether its popular in the mainstream or not.
The record has a raw production to it that makes you feel like its 1999 again but never once does the production take away or distract from the songs. The drums hit hard during the chorus of “Vampire” which has subtle hooks and a ton of replay value. Lyrically “What We Believe In” is the punk version of Snow Patrols “Chasing Cars” with the same vibe of needing to take advantage of the moment. “U.S. Royalty” starts off twangy but quickly jumps into the catchy rock style that this band excels in. The only song that was a let down to me was “Cali”. The singing style during verses was hard to get into and kind of a turn off.
Hot Rod Circuit returns to the days of “Sorry about tomorrow” yet doesn’t make the same record twice. My biggest gripes with the album was the song “Cali” and the fact that the record felt short, overall hardly things to complain about.
This stellar record is a must own.
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