Hot Water Music - Rydell - split - 7

Labels: Scene Police
Review by: Ian Cavell

My computer just decided to die a number of horrible deaths when asked to load Netscape? which kind of means I’ve got to get on with some reviews I suppose.

First up on the pile is this 7″. I’m shocked because Scene Police have somehow managed to put this out for a very reasonable price (I paid a quid for it). Sure its only two tracks (one by each band) but a full colour, glossy gatefold sleeve as well?!? And when the two bands in question are of such a high caliber?its pretty much the all round perfect package.

Rydell are from the UK and have a penchant for emo-rock in the vain of bands like Chamberlain. I appologise if thats the third review in a row that we mention Rydell and Chamberlain in the same sentence but I’ll be the first to admit that my knowledge of emo-rock is limited and the two bands do sound similar. ‘Try Seventeen’ is driving and powerful, a myriad blur of guitars and passionate vocals. Its compares very favourably with other tracks I’ve heard from this band.

Hot Water Music are from across the other side of the pond and contribute ‘Just Don’t Say You Lost It’. Infectious drums and gruff vocals ahoy. They strike me as a hardcore band where the rest of the band have been replaced with, say a group of emo minded musicians, except no one told the lead singer and he still believes that his band is a hardcore band, only playing a little more slowly. While Rydell steal the show with this 7″ I’m really looking forward to hearing some more HWM.

One very nice 7″ and a very nice price.