Automatic Midnight [ORIGINAL RECORDING REISSUED]

Hot Snakes

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 27, 2002)
• Original Release Date: February 15, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording reissued
• Label: Swami Records
• ASIN: B00006AATW
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #193,519 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

For anyone saddened by the realization that Drive Like Jehu would have to be remembered by two records and a handful of singles, the news of Hot Snakes surely inspired a surprised smile. As the story of Hot Snakes goes, Jehu wunderkind John Reis took a break from his duties as Rocket from the Crypt's frontman and started to pen some songs for fun. As they lacked a certain "oomph," Reis sent a tape of his noodlings to former Drive Like Jehu vocalist Rick Froberg. Legend has it that Froberg flew to San Diego and jumped right into the studio to fill his vocal duty. The first few songs of Automatic Midnight confirm the suspicions: we have what appears to be a Drive Like Jehu record in disguise as Hot Snakes. The rollicking opener, "If Credit's What Matters I'll Take Credit," is an exercise in musical reminiscence. Froberg's scream over intense guitar and smart rhythm resembles even the best vintage Jehu. Not all of Automatic Midnight is an indulgence in the past, though. Fast-forward to "Salton City," the first peek at the unique sound of Hot Snakes. Hypnotic drums fill the first minute, leading to discernable, smart lyrics accented by Velvet Underground-inspired guitars. "Our Work Fills the Pews" is one of the catchier songs to grace an indie record in some time: a slow tempo underscores an "Uh-huh-huh" chorus that will get even the stodgiest aging indie rockers to bob their heads dutifully. --Kerry Murphy

Product Description

Punk rock from John Reis aka Speedo (Rocket From the Crypt & Drive Like Jehu), Rick Fork aka Eric Froeberg (Drive Like Jehu) & Jason Kourkounis (Delta 72 & Mule). 11 Tracks of Black Flag, the Wipers & Suicide inspired turbulent sound. 2000.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Can I get an amen?, March 21, 2000

By	James Burns (Bellingham, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Automatic Midnight (Audio CD)

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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars NOTHING COMES REMOTELY CLOSE!, April 7, 2002

By	Motorcycleboy (Hollywood) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Automatic Midnight (Audio CD)

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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the funnest ride to hell you'll ever take, July 3, 2002

By	G. Busy (busan, korea) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Automatic Midnight (Audio CD)

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