Hot Water Music kicked off a series of record release dates in Philadelphia last week to the delight of area fans in the legendary and very intimate First Unitarian Church basement. It has been quite a month for Hot Water Music who released their first new full-length in 8 years last Tuesday, entitled Exister, via Rise Records. The band has been doing much more than simply existing though, as the members continue to keep up vigorous schedules with live appearances and solo projects that are all blossoming. The album could have just as easily been titled Exceller, as this quintet is not merely hanging in, but redefining themselves now almost 20 years deep in the game.
There has been no shortage of Hot Water Music coverage at Blow The Scene recently or solo-project coverage, as we sat down with bassist Jason Black for an exclusive interview and kicked off our new feature column One Path Review by Thomas Schlatter, who gave our readers an in-depth look at this brand new album. Not to mention our coverage of Chuck Ragan’s hand-picked, star-studded, folk outing, known as The Revival Tour.
Fans of Hot Water Music really could not ask for much more than what transpired during this record release performance last week. It simply boggles the mind that this band has been ripping stages since 1993 with a live show in 2012 that resonates with more energy than 99.9% of bands fresh on the scene. Fans were dealt a hearty plate full of old and new tracks alike as the dimly lit church basement felt more like a sauna than a cool underground show space. Hot Water Music keep the energy at level 11 from opening shots to closing bells, as fans jumped, surfed, stage-dived, moshed, sang along, and became a part of single unifying energy for a show that only enforced why Hot Water Music have remained a staple of the punk rock community.
The bill was rounded out by White Wives, which is a new project created by Anti-Flag members Chris #2 and Chris Head, Roger Harvey aka Dandelion Snow, Andy T. of The Code, and Tyler Kweder of American Armada.
Six Feet Under recording artists Daylight had the honers of presenting the opening chords, which showcased this local band’s ability to provide 90s-inspired, hook-laden riffage for ta hometown audience.
Once again, our anti-flash-camera-Jedi, Dante Torrieri was on hand to deliver a stellar collection of concert photos for your viewing pleasure.
Without further ado..
All pictures by Dante Torrieri of Useless Rebel Imaging
Words by Joshua T. Cohen
Hot Water Music – “Drag My Body” on Exister (Rise Records)
Hot Water Music – Drag My Body
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