Hotline TNT – ‘Raspberry Moon’ album review: A gritty mosaic of guitars
THE SKINNY: Something that I criticise fairly regularly with a lot of albums is a lack of versatility. What I mean by that is that every song sounds the same, and therefore, the songs become stagnant. Just because this is a criticism doesn’t mean that I believe every album should be a genre-defying blend of every style under the sun. Versatility can be subtle, and Hotline TNT’s new album, Raspberry Moon, is a very good example of this.
The whole record has a distinct sound that it doesn’t waver from. It’s a combination of indie, midwestern emo and steady rock. The guitar lines are one of the standout characteristics, but the vocals and general atmosphere throughout the album also contribute to what makes it a great listen. The record never strays too far from this style, yet it manages to stay fresh throughout.
On this record, those changes come in the form of a higher emphasis on guitar lines, using synth sounds to build a bigger atmosphere, and altering effects to give tracks a cleaner appeal, making them come across more sincere. The record keeps its style, but doesn’t bore the listener, it’s a real triumph and a great example of what is meant when people ask for better versatility throughout a record.
It’s not perfect, but Hotline TNT’s new album is a great LP to check out as it brandishes a number of different styles and holds energy and serenity at its core.
For fans of: Great guitar music and atmospheres so heavy it’s like breathing soup.
A concluding comment from Soup: “Stop breathing me.”
Raspberry Moon track by track
Release: June 20th | Label: Third Man Records | Producer: Amos Pitsch
‘Was I Wrong?’: A strange-sounding and slightly off-kilter chord combination accompanies lyrics that sound a peculiar combination of sincere and apathetic. There is a blasé romance on display here; it’s a strange style to achieve, but it resonates. The overall sound is an edgier midwestern emo. [3.5/5]
‘Transition’: Does exactly as it says. This is a simple song that merely takes us by the hand and leads us into the rest of the record. [n/a]
‘The Scene’: Great guitar music. A killer guitar line hangs in the back as distorted chords dance over it. Not a song for people suffering from sore necks, as this is a track sure to get heads nodding. [4/5]
‘Julia’s War’: Heavy guitar combinations layer every second on this track. With only a couple of instruments, an incredibly dense atmosphere is created, and it’s only added to by the longing vocals. Also, who doesn’t love some “nah nah nah’s” aye? [4/5]
‘Letter To Heaven’: Similar to the previous songs, but with a slightly sweeter hint to it. ‘Letter To Heaven’ sounds deeply sincere, and the vocals feel reminiscent of indie vocalists from decades past. That being said, this isn’t an album that leans on nostalgia; it still sounds modern, even with these nostalgic elements. [3.5/5]
‘Break Right’: A cleaner sounding song, so delicate it barely breaks silence. The guitars are clean, and the keys in the background playing simple, singular notes add an angelic backdrop. Paired with steady drums and soft vocals, this is one of the more peaceful offerings on the album, but it still feels cohesive when held up against what came before. [4/5]
‘If Time Flies’: Shoegaze elements of the band really creep in on ‘If Time Flies’, as the atmosphere built using the popular wall of sound technique really create a monumental sound. It’s hard to tell instruments apart from one another as they twist and contort into one dominant sound. A real treat for the listeners! [4/5]
‘Candle’: Another full-bodied song, laced with distortion and persistent guitar lines. The rhythm of this track is slightly more unrelenting, persistent drum fills give little room to breathe, but the intensity is well received by the whole band and, consequently, whoever is listening. [4.5/5]
‘Dance The Night Away’: The appropriately named song gives the listener something easy to move to. Sweet chord progressions and effects make for a truly wonderful experience, and the vocals are some of the most drawn-out and moving on the whole LP. [3.5/5]
‘Lawnmower’: This song sounds almost like a jam. It comes in stages, and different guitar and bass sections have an improvised feel. It all works incredibly well, though, and acts as an example of how well the album is put together, given we still find ourselves surprised this far along. [3/5]
‘Where U Been?’: The record ends as it began. This slightly off-kilter number creates a huge atmosphere, and it’s the perfect way to add a full stop to the album. [4/5]
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