Local rockers Hot Wives walk a fine tightrope between aggressive alt-rock and punk-inflected noise that’s both propulsive and punishing. Their new single “O Mary” is all breakneck pacing and slashing guitars, but for all their intensity, this is not a band that’s looking to become unhinged. The songwriting here is precise and purposeful with frontman Gib Fenning’s vocals providing the melodic framework for the band’s serrated riffs. Fenning sings with an assertive growl but the effect is neither agitated nor abrasive; he’d rather trade caustic rage for memorable hooks and on “O Mary” there’s no doubt he comes out ahead.
It goes without saying that Hot Wives are working within an increasingly tired genre, so credit them for summoning enough power and grit to tap into the adrenaline rush dynamics that make this type of music so vital in the first place. The rumbling intro, the resolute sprint of the verses, the combustible bridge—they all work in service to the group’s focused songwriting, leaving no notes wasted. I’m not exactly sure what I was expecting from the band, but consider me humbly surprised. Hot Wives play with sharp confidence and clarity of vision, and—oh yeah—they rip, too.
Eat Your Enemies is out this Fri., June 24 via Blood Drunk Records. Pre-orders are available here.
Hot Wives will celebrate the release of Eat Your Enemies on Wed., June 29 at 529. Supporting them will be Null, Husband Stitch, and Fake Image. Doors open at 9 p.m. Donations accepted.
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Facebook: @hotwivesrock