Hot Sunday Blood - Kein Licht
EP review by; DeeDee
This 5 piece from Turin Italy started out in 2013, after a change of line up in 2018, they’re now firmly rooted and on their 3rd recording. The 6 track ‘Kein Licht’ (No Light) actually dropped in December 2019, but has only recently found its way to my ears. Recorded at the Snooky Records Studio, Hot Sunday Blood describe this as a concept album, in their words it’s ‘MAINLY BASED ON THE LOSS OF EMOTIONS, THE LACK OF SOMETHING SEEN THROUGH EMOTIONAL STRUCTURES, SUCH AS RESIGNATION, DISILLUSION AND GRIEF.’ It is meant to be seen from a young female’s point of view. The album cover and artwork certainly gives the impression of darkness, having a sombre design. But have they managed to get the message across on ‘Kein Licht’?
Gentle and harmonious tones are played during the short but effective ‘Habits’ which leads directly into ‘Abyss’ forming a two part introduction to the album. The mood and tempo rises for the title track, more deliberate in its standing but with an eerie feel. Plenty of vigorous guitar and sharp, piercing vocals interact to leave a bittersweet taste. They do give off an air of richness, the sound is full of warmth and comprises of electronic effects. ‘No Way Out’ has a gorgeous low bass line, thumping its way all through this number. Stacks of edgy pedal effects are laced with a sublime guitar solo and menacing vocals while the underlying riff gives it loads of appeal.
’The Long Winter’s Embrace’ has a heavier presence, hanging on every note. Again there are destroying vocals and penetrating guitar. More lowly shredding, gives it a doom factor that is unbelievably brilliant. ’Time Machine’ embarks on lighter keys, almost pop ridden. With rapid pace and rhythm, it’s driving and constructive, but lacks atmosphere compared to the other tracks. ’40 Steps’ resumes the hard and brutal vibe. Quite a perfect way to end this album, it has thunderous chords and melody. Punching, resolute and full of cool, mesmerising guitar.
So yes, HSB have produced a darkish and emotionally fuelled album and I do get an understanding of the concept. Even more exciting is that I understand ‘Kein Licht’ is only the first of a two part opus, so hopefully when the world is healthy again, we will see the next chapter. HSB definitely have technique and a unique way of writing, so I look forward to the follow-up. ‘Kein Licht’ is moving, captivating and despite being over a year old, has a lot of factors that are probably even more relevant in 2021.
4/5
Members;
Andrea Amerini - Vocals
Paolo Lulita - Bass - plays a Music Man Stingray with Lehle and Electro-Harmonix Effect
Carlo Borra - Drums - plays Tama drums, Paiste cymbals
Andrea Zanellato - Guitar - plays Gibson guitars, Ernie Ball strings, Dv Mark amplifiers
Marco Piozzi - Guitar - plays Epiphone guitars, Ernie Ball strings, Marshall Amplifiers
Hot Sunday Blood socials;
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Visit this Spotify link for details of all three Hot Sunday Blood albums