Thursday, October 16, 2014

Band Review: Hot Apparatus


Although Hot Apparatus does follow me on Twitter, I was aware of them before that through working with band member Alison Dennis.

This seemed like a good time to do the review, because they recently released a new album, Hot Apparatus, available as a free download from Bandcamp.

There are many other tracks available, especially via Tumblr, but I have focused my listening primarily on the new album.

Hot Apparatus feels very Portland, in some different ways. One is that the vibe often tends toward the weird. By their own descriptions they perform both psych-pop and improvisation. Not having been to a performance yet, I don't know how the improvisation goes, but their recorded tracks often veer far from the conventional, and are more arty. That is pretty Portland.

In addition there is sometimes a strong retro feel. It's not all referring back to the same era, but comes from different times and places, becoming an appropriate soundtrack for browsing at a thrift shop. Again, that seems pretty Portland.

My favorite track on the new album is "Disconnected", but "All I Feel Is Yes" has a way of sticking with you. Also, Alison's sweet vocalizations on "Astronaut" are beautiful and haunting.

Music by Hot Apparatus is easily and freely available.




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