Live Review

Hot Water Music – Irish Centre, Leeds

• 30th Jun 2010

The fact that tonights gig has been moved from TJ’s Woodhouse Club to the Irish Centre says a lot about the enduring appeal and loyal fanbase that Hot Water Music possess. For a band with not one but two break-ups behind them and an ever increasing gap of six years since any new material, there’s no shortage of love from the punters and an almost rabid sense of aniticipation as soon as the floor starts to fill.

Wakefield based Milloy kick things off – their crisp sound, tight playing and arresting vocals result in a high octane set, as well as an appreciative and receptive crowd. The same cannot be be said for local boys The Magnificent, who seem unsure of themselves and struggle to ignite an audience clearly frustrated by their lack of momentum and a palatable drop in atmosphere. It would seem though that The Magnificent have an ace up their sleeve, introducing a certain Chuck Ragan to the stage to share vocal duties on their final number. The trick pays off and the crowd goes wild, reminded once more of the promise of the main event.

It’s a promise that delivers and Hot Water Music are firing on all cylinders. Time away from the band has obviously reinvigorated and energised its members and this is mirrored in the reception they receive from rapturously grateful fans who, perhaps, gave up hope of a proper reunion tour years ago. There is no let up in pace throughout their set and banter is kept to a minimum as the music and the songs are left to speak for themselves.

Whether it’s Free Radio Gainesville, Paper Thin or Jack Of All Trades they blast through, the response is almost universal as every word is sung back at them. The set is a set for the fans, a thank you note for sticking with them and keeping Hot Water Music alive (and even a Bouncing Souls cover for good measure).

As the band leave the stage after two encores and the promise of ‘a new album the next time we see you’ a steady stream of satisfied followers leave the venue having just witnessed exactly what a rock show should be – intimate, exciting, sweaty and vital.