The third album from the Sahara Hotnights comes off the back of extensive touring with Swedish compatriots The Hives. The 2001 release of their last album 'Jennie Bomb' firmly placed themselves in the same bracket as the Donna's. However with this, their new album, they seem to found a steady combination of guitar bravado and integrity - suggesting they may be the new Go Go's.

With production duties in the hands of Foo Fighters producer Rob Schnapf, the overall feeling of the album is very polished. The opener "Who Do you Dance For?" incorporates the swagger of the Fender with the 50's styled choruses - courtesy of lead singer Maria Andersson and siblings Jennie and Johanna Asplund. The first single from the album "Hot Night Crash" opens up the true power pop of the Sahara Hotnights, ably backed up by the harmonies of the chorus and the shouty narrative of Maria Andersson. This, as well as "Mind over Matter", looks destined to dent the MTV/alternative radio stations airplay.

At times the songs may veer towards 80's AOR, in particular on "Empty Heart" and "Nerves", but whilst they are influenced by groups such as the Cars and Heart, the spiked up Ramones styled choruses and guitar lines often creep in. Where the Hotnights seem most effective is when they experiment with rock that plods along without any sudden movements, such as the Weezer-inspired "Stupid Tricks".

The fine line of musical authenticity and mainstream accessibility has been balanced on this record and The Sahara Hotnights come out on top.
~T.J.Hart

7.

written by on 14/08/2004 00:00:00