Hot Hot Heat, the extremely inspired 80s New Wave band from Victoria, British Colombia, Canada, are performing live Saturday night at Sonar in Baltimore on the main stage.
The music of Hot Hot Heat doesn’t exactly fit into one specific category. Some say they are an upbeat catchy indie rock band, others describe them as synth – pop, and then there are those who say their music is danceable pop punk with other added oddities. While they are a variety of ways to describe Hot Hot Heat, most all agree that they’re music is a combination of catchy witty wordplay and fun melodies.
Band members Dustin Hawthorne and Steve Bays had been in many different bands together since 1995. In 1998 they met Paul Harry through the indie scene. The band had a fourth member up until recently. Originally, friend Matt Marnic was the fourth member, until he left the band in 2000. Dante DeCaro was recruited to fill the void, recorded and toured with them for fours years, then eventually left as well because the touring life wasn’t for him.
Originally playing their music with synthesizers instead of guitars, Hot Hot Heat changed their musical direction in 2000 after Matt Marnic left the band. Hot Hot Heat then went into the direction of a more melodic pop sound.
After two years of intense recording, Hot Hot Heat finally released its much anticipated third full lengthalbum, Elevator, in April 2005. The works of Dante Decaro are featured on this album. The album features 14 short, sweet, energetic and quirky tracks.
Hot Hot Heat performs on Saturday on the main stage at Sonar in Baltimore; doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $18 for general admission. For more information call (410) 327-8333.