Dancing and crying.

Hot Hot Heat - Happiness LTD

[3/5]

As far as puns go, the title track on the new album from preternaturally happy organ poppers Hot Hot Heat isn't a very subtle one. Blasting along on the raw sugar surge of triumphant, synthy disco party tracks like their breakout hit "Bandages" seems to have gotten old. So HHH kick off this album by moping around in a bass-heavy, hazy stomp, crying, "It's over now, happiness is limited, but misery has no end." It's like a cuddlier version of those eternal grumps the Walkmen-which isn't necessarily a bad direction for HHH to go. Although as you might expect, the tempo, if not the mood, doesn't stay down for long: "Happiness Ltd." gives way to "Let Me In," a careening, soaring spit-take that fights against the uplift of its chiming bells and strings. The rest of the time, frontman Steve Bays proves he still has a unique way of wringing the syllables of a phrase for all they're worth, weaving around each word like he's circling in for the kill. It's still a blast to listen to Hot Hot Heat when they sound like they're having fun, even if they have to fake it. (WARNER BROS.) Luke O'Neil

ROCKS LIKE:

XTC's White Music
Dogs Die In Hot Cars' Please Describe Yourself
The Walkmen's Bows + Arrows


Official Website: http://www.myspace.com/hothotheat




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