MUSIC
From Issue #19
Hot Hot Heat
Cranking it up a notch
by Stefan Norman
Starting a fire is only half the task. The real chore is to
keep it burning. Hot Hot Heat’s Paul Hawley hopes the band
can do just that with their latest, Elevator. Their last
offering, Make Up the Breakdown, helped these pop rockers
gain attention. Paul says the album was “randomly
popular.” Elevator, on the other hand, represents
maturation for a band that has been hard at it since
the 1990s.
“The last album was an uncomplicated approach to the
world, love and life,” says the drummer. “This record isn’t a
reaction. It’s a natural sort of movement.” Paul adds the
new album contains more depth, revealed through “concise
and poignant” lyrics. But he’s quick to add that fans can
still expect the same patented “bouncy” and “fun”
approach they’ve come to love.
Although HHH has seen some changes with the recent
departure of guitarist Dante DeCaro and subsequent
addition of new string man, Luke Paquin, Paul is adamant
that he doesn’t feel more mature. He jokes that there are
some growing pains rock stars don’t have to contend with,
“We don’t really have to cut our hair and get a real job,”
says Paul.
For now, he’s awaiting reactions to the new album, “It’s like
you’re getting in a new relationship with your heart
on your sleeve. You hope it doesn’t get crushed to a
thousand pieces.”
Photo courtesy of Warner Music Canada.
