Customer Reviews

Automatic Midnight

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It was about 6 years ago that Drive Like Jehu released "Yank Crime," which was without a doubt, one of the best rock records of the last decade, hands down. Then Jehu took an extended hiatus; John Reis concentrated more on his "day-job" band, Rocket From The Crypt while Rick Fork (or whatever he calls himself) did his artwork (he's the man behind the cover of RFTC's last studio album), Mark Trombino took up producing, and Mike Kennedy formed Corrugated.

Six years later, a Jehu reunion still seems far-off, but we have this record by the Hot Snakes, and while it's not "The Duct Tape Album" or "Yank Crime," it's pretty dern good. It's been said that had Jehu continued, their later releases would have been quieter, and more delicate, and it's hard not to think that's what John and Rick had in mind when recording this Hot Snakes album. The angularity and anger of Jehu anthems like "Caress" and "Golden Brown" are there, but the bombast has been replaced by a subdued, restrained, but still edgy and rockin' feel not unlike "Clincher"-era Tar or recent Fugazi. Still, this album will sound like an old friend back from a trip to any Jehu fan. Rick Fork's howls and the crunchy guitars on the lead track "If Credit's What Counts, I'll Take Credit," will bring a tear to the eye of anyone who's worn out the grooves of "Yank Crime."

I hear John Reis played all the guitars and basses on this album (Though Rick will play guitars live, and Gar Wood of Tanner plays bass live, as well.) and thus, it's not at all suprising considering that "Salton City" "Our Work Fills The Pews" and "Mystery Boy" (which John also sings) could be vintage Rocket singles that later found their way onto the "All Systems Go!" compilation. Drummer Jason Kourkonis, (I know I spelled it wrong) on loan from the Delta 72 is also a big factor in the more "rock and roll" sound here.

To rely too heavily on Rocket or Jehu comparisons would be a shame though, as this album is really it's own entity and will probably be one of the best albums this year (Skull Kontrol, Zeke, or Shellac, may give the Snakes a run for their money, though).

I would love a new Jehu album. I really would, but as long as John and Rick keep making great music like this together, I have no reason to complain.

This record is musically and aesthetic marriage of immense potency! Looking at the two bands that "parent" this project it should come as no surprise. This record draws together the sonic ferocity and rhythmic tightness of Drive Like Jehu with the swagger and shuffle of Rocket From the Crypt, surpassing the efforts of both bands by a long shot! It isn't enough to say that the influences are obvious. This release goes far beyond the musical history or discography of its' membership. This recording drop-kicks nearly everything that came before it and has yet to see its' equal. EVERY song on this release cooks, kicks and spits. This is a record that supercedes category. It is the barometer by which all others should be measured.

from the opening chords of this masterpiece, you will know you're in for a treat. the guitars are a menacing aural assault that, backed by a relentless rhythm, forges a melody that is engaging and haunting. The shouts of the vocals seem relevant, although I can't say I understand the themes of many of the songs. That said, this is clearly an album made with...love.

absolute favorite is the title track, which turns all in its path into smoldering embers. The whole album is great, though...quite possibly my favorite album

This album rocks--it's similar to Drive Like Jehu, but is a little looser. Hey, how come I didn't get a red cover? But seriously, it's a nice work full of commentary on the trials and travails of (I assume) the generic American suburban character. Thank the stars that someone still makes DECENT music!!!!

Eleven tracks of pure energy; I was a tad disappointed at the overall length of the CD (45 mins, with the obligatory 'dead silence' of ?? minutes, followed by a disappointing 'secret collection of sounds...). That's why I'm only giving 4/5. John Reis and company are a creative bunch in this day and age of rehashed sounds and copycat bands. BUY IT! It's a keeper.

Yeah this did it. I was spinning out in a musical purgetorious black hole. Listenging to music that was readily disposable, my friend hands me a cd that he gets from his girlfriend and says simply, "Put this in your CD changer." From the second Froberg wailed, "WALL UP AGAINST ME GOT NOT PULL", my ears have not recovered from the sexual shock. HOT SNAKES epitomize the very fabric of what rock should be: In your face and genuine. The seismic vibrations generated by these downstroke warlords are the cause of numerous unreported tidal waves in the Pacific therefore making the surf better for the west coast. Reis' guitar riffs will resonant forever in your ears begging you for more... more... MORE ROCK. MORE DOWNSTROKES. MORE GUITAR IN MY MONITOR. MORE! MORE! MORE! Like a gateway drug, AUTOMATIC MIDNIGHT rammed down the doors of musical boredom and led me to similarly addictive sounds that have changed my life (Drive Like Jehu, Rocket from the Crypt, The Sultans, Sonny Vincent). RIP Snakes. Your high voltage love will ring forever in the ears of the faithful turbaned devotees. Everybody's donkey likes a muffin. Stop reading my nonsense and buy this already.

I came to Hot Snakes (and DLJ) via the late great RFTC. Coming from Speedo's oily sneer It took me more than one listen to get past Rick Froeberg's voice, but get past it I did.

Automatic Midnight is just another example of John Reis' prowess as a master composer. If this were the 18th century he'd have given Mozart a run for his money; we are blessed to have the Swami working his craft within rock and roll.

i wept openly when one of my favorite bands, the incredible Drive Like Jehu broke up. but i was able to dry my eyes (years later...haha) when i heard about Hot Snakes. could it be as good as Jehu? well, no...of course not. but, happily, Automatic Midnight rocks with awesome energy and some absolutely killer songs! after a bit of a quick teasing start with "If Credit's What Matters..." the album kicks in with the title track and doesn't seem to really let up until the end. along the way, the intense surge of songs like "10th Planet" and "No Hands" burn holes in your ears with music that is not only exhilerating, but also tuneful and challenging. tracks like "Salton City" & "Our Work Fills The Pews" carries a bit of a rickety blues stomp with it and it sounds like Tom Waits stopped by the studio to lend some back up vocals. it's almost impossible not to compare Hot Snakes to Drive Like Jehu, but it's more like a stripped down and refined version... a brand new beast from the ashes. look out!

Man, few albums provide an immediate jolt like Hot Snakes' debut. For a rocking good time, this band is pretty tough to beat. "Automatic Midnight" is aggressive, in-your-face, and extremely fun to listen to, coming off sort of like Nirvana with loads of swagger instead of self-conscious angst. While Hot Snakes' sound is loosely classifiable as punk or hardcore, the band transcends easy genre labels with tight, focused songwriting, razor-sharp musicianship, and a stunning level of rhythmic heft. Rick Froberg screams with such urgency his vocal cords sound like they could snap at any moment, and the band behind him is a marvel of intensity and efficiency.

The concise opening double shot of "If Credit's What Matters I'll Take Credit" and the title track (total running time: about four minutes) proves the band to be noise merchants of the highest order, with Froberg's fierce shout joined by a pummelling wall of guitars, piledriving drums, and basslines that sound like nukes going off. It doesn't let up from there, either: "Automatic Midnight" is pure adrenaline from start to finish, perfect for waking up on a hungover Sunday morning (or so I'm told). The album's best song, the woozy "Salton City," wavers and staggers like a drunk, propelled by a surprisingly intricate drum beat from Jason Sinclair. If you're into indie music, you owe this album a listen. Highly recommended.

i love the jehu, but i was pretty skeptical about this album. then, i got the album and at first i was disappointed. the rhythm section and the production is kinda different from jehu... anyway, after i listened to the cd some more, i realized that, while it's not jehu, it's pretty damn close and it's still ROCKING! so, buy this album. it's awesome.