Drop Dead, Gorgeous - The Hot N' Heavy

[Drew Beringer]

Drop Dead, Gorgeous – The Hot N’ Heavy
Release Date: June 2, 2009
Record Label: Suretone

Dirty, fast, raw, and lyrics that teeter between bitterness and sociopathic tendencies, The Hot N’ Heavy is a perfect name for Drop Dead, Gorgeous’ third album. After releasing their underappreciated concept album in 2007, the Denver sextet aim for the throat eleven times on The Hot N’ Heavy. Produced by Matt Goldman, you better believe the album hits hard early and often.

“Killing A Classic” begins the brouhaha with crushing guitars, as vocalist Danny Stillman proclaims, “I’ll take my time/playing with the hearts/of everyone I touch,” while breakdown after breakdown paces the track. First single, “Two Birds One Stone,” carries a Saosin-vibe, making this the most “radio-friendly” song the band has wrote. Mid-tempo verses are carried by Stillman’s spoken words, which pave the way for the soaring chorus that promises, “If I ever see you again/and this gun is loaded/you’ll sleep in hell.”

However, not everything is hunky-dory on the album. “Sue Simmons! Watch Your Mouth!” is your standard kind of flat, generic track, while “Beat The Devil Out Of It” is basically a retread of past and present DD,G songs. And Stillman’s voice is often not very pleasant. At times, the shrieks and shrills help the direction of the song, but mostly it’s a pain to listen to. But while that may bring down some the tracks, it doesn’t hurt the middle portion of The Hot N’ Heavy. Drop Dead begins to hit their stride with “Fame,” which flexes it muscles throughout, while “(The) Internet Killed The Video Star” is utterly raw and dirty, as it rips its way through your earphones.

“Can’t Fight Biology” is a beat down of sorts, as Stillman wails that “I can’t touch her,” while a barrage of breakdowns barrel through your speakers. The six and half minute closer, “We’re Planning, God’s Laughing,” is a dreary track utilizing a steel guitar, giving it an ominous and creepy tone. Stillman screams his lungs out, and the song finishes The Hot N’ Heavy very hauntingly.

What Drop Dead, Gorgeous have released is pretty much the standard for this type of music these days: fast and hard, with some good songs and some bad ones. The Hot N’ Heavy is a fun, yet shallow, listening experience. Musically, it’s very good, featuring nice musicianship and production. The vocals and generic approach are the major flaws. It’s everything you love and hate about the genre. The Hot N’ Heavy definitely lives up to its billing, but just make sure to light a candle to extinguish the smell after you’re done.

Track Listing:
1. Killing A Classic
2. Southern Lovin’ (Belle of the Ball)
3. Beat The Devil Out Of It
4. Two Birds, One Stone
5. Sue Simmons! Watch Your Mouth!
6. Fame
7. (The) Internet Killed The Video Star
8. Can’t Fight Biology
9. There’s No Business Like Snow Business
10. Interlude 1
11. Dirtier Than You Want To Know
12. We’re Planning, God’s Laughing
Produced by: Matt Goldman

Drop Dead, Gorgeous is:
Danny Stillman – vocals
Daniel Cooper – drums
Kyle Browning – guitar/vocals
Jake Hansen – bass
Daniel Gustavson – guitar

Official Website (http://www.dropdeadgorgeousrock.com); Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/dropdeadgorgeous); Official AP.net Profile (http://www.absolutepunk.net/dropdeadgorgeous)

[fadedmemories]

Huge step down from their last album.

[piglet]

this band is completely worthless.

[brokenwings]

“If I ever see you again/and this gun is loaded/you’ll sleep in hell.”
haha, wow that is shitty

[IamTheINDUSTRY]

two birds one stone is the jam. Best album these guys have released.

[bjt05]

I don't understand how kids that liked Old DD,G would not like this album. I also can't see why fans from WTAF wouldn't like this either. It's a great blend between the two. For you scenesters out there, it has all the heavy breakdowns you could enjoy, but I think the most impressive part of the The Hot N' Heavy is the way the band can combine a fast paced "hardcore" song with a beauitful chorus or hook. Yes, this genre is overloaded with many terrible bands that get signed way to quick, but DD,G can not be grouped with this. They have mastered all their talents on this album. Everything about his album is great...the vocals cannot be touched with the blend of screams and perfect singing/harmonies. Kids, if you have the $11, go buy this album....you will surely enjoy it!

[Cøltøn]

Internet Killed The Video Star is dope. Rest is kinda meh. DD,G's other albums were pretty inconsistent too, having some good tracks and having some total snoozefests.

[medicatemex]

a few songs on here are pretty damn good actually
when danny sings on "beat the devil out of it" i wish there was more of that on the record.
the scream/sing thing is actually the coolest vocal style imo, listen to shit like HHLL.
this record is about a 7 in my opinion.

[Young Machetes]

I still really enjoy this album, it's much better than albums released from bands in the same genre (A Skylit Drive for example)

Too many people give this band shit, but I think they do it well.

Good review, I'd have rated it a bit higher.

[denissuxx]

Very well written and accurate review.

Many many people hate this band, so it's nice to see a sensible review on AP.net, (and I know the reviewer is a fan of their previous stuff)

Having said that, I would've given this a higher score.

Good job Drew

[superBMRuth]

Guilty pleasure of the year

[superBMRuth]

you. fucked. with. the wrong. SONUFABIIITCHH!

[YoTengoRabbi]

"After releasing their underappreciated concept album in 2007"


are you an idiot?

[mymusicismylife]

I might get this, I'm waffling on whether I should or not. Apparently it's not as bad as expected. Plus I liked WTAF.

Gah, the singing on Can't Fight Biology is too much. Gonna pass.

[mymusicismylife]

"After releasing their underappreciated concept album in 2007"


are you an idiot?
Nah, just he just has a different musical taste than you.

[Mattylikesfilms]

Huge step down from their last album.

I dissagree... kind of. I do like how experimental the last album was but this album is just a fun album and I kind of missed that from the last album.

[xsinkshipsx]

this band is completely worthless.
qft

[jamesxoath]

I like In Vogue and Worse Than A FairyTale. But I can't stand this. Maybe if they got a new vocalist...

[Max_123]

Huge step down from their last album.
....really?

[ManchesterOrch8]

I DLed Millionaires over them a few weeks back.


Decision still stands.

[simensays]

right now i like about 4 songs. Thats a lot for a band in this genre now adays. Southern Lovin hits hard, The Internet Killed The Video star, Dirtier than you want to know...

There is no other decent screamo, post hardcore, whatever you want to call it band. DanceGavinDance is now shit after Johnny left, A Skylit Drive is now shit after Jordan left, Emarosa is now shit after the singer left, Underoaths latest effort is shit. I just don't have any bands to listen to.

Granted In Vogue is the only album in that genre by DD,G that I can consistently give the whole album a run through, this release is good for what it is- A band that is releasing the same type of music three albums into there career.

You're not going to find a better album in this genre, but that's not saying alot.
I wasn't a fan of this review.
Two Birds, One Stone is one of the worst tracks i've heard- he shouldn't be singing like that.

[ARo2431]

Nice review. I like these guys but their not a band I find myself listening to all the time. Like you said in your review, they have some good songs and they have some bad songs.

[ThrownAwayKyle]

"After releasing their underappreciated concept album in 2007"


are you an idiot?
I loved WTAFT. it is one of the most original and experimental albums of the genre. People just cant get past Danny's voice, which I admit can be bad at times but at the same time I am a huge fan of it. He sounds different than anyone else and and i appluad him for not giving up even after all the criticism this band gets.

I love this album, some of the titles get me but this is a very fun album and probably the best they've put out. Some of the songs show a lot of improvement vocally and musically, some parts are a tiny bit boring. Over all I probably have a personal tilt, but id give the album a 75-80%.

Also great review. I came here expecting the album to be ripped apart.

[Indoor Living]

I DLed Millionaires over them a few weeks back.


Decision still stands.
I'd call that a little much.

[YouSmellExcited]

they need a new vocalist

[barkingincision]

right now i like about 4 songs. Thats a lot for a band in this genre now adays. Southern Lovin hits hard, The Internet Killed The Video star, Dirtier than you want to know...

There is no other decent screamo, post hardcore, whatever you want to call it band. DanceGavinDance is now shit after Johnny left, A Skylit Drive is now shit after Jordan left, Emarosa is now shit after the singer left, Underoaths latest effort is shit. I just don't have any bands to listen to.

Granted In Vogue is the only album in that genre by DD,G that I can consistently give the whole album a run through, this release is good for what it is- A band that is releasing the same type of music three albums into there career.

You're not going to find a better album in this genre, but that's not saying alot.
I wasn't a fan of this review.
Two Birds, One Stone is one of the worst tracks i've heard- he shouldn't be singing like that.
lol

[Jake Denning]

I DLed Millionaires over them a few weeks back.


Decision still stands.
Your not allowed to have that Blink avatar anymore.

[BobaFett118]

I really don't understand why people bash on bands without giving any constructive criticism. It pisses me off to no extent when people make ignorant comments like "worthless band" or "anyone who listens to this trash should die". Like I said it's just pure ignorance. People have DIFFERENT tastes in music, art, movies, etc. DEAL WITH IT. I'm not saying that people should only say positive things, just be more constructive with your criticism instead of posting ignorant things.

[Greg.Kushlan]

I think this bands vocalist is probably one of the worst I've ever heard. Is his screaming supposed to make me laugh?

[Max_123]

I loved WTAFT. it is one of the most original and experimental albums of the genre. People just cant get past Danny's voice, which I admit can be bad at times but at the same time I am a huge fan of it. He sounds different than anyone else and and i appluad him for not giving up even after all the criticism this band gets.

I love this album, some of the titles get me but this is a very fun album and probably the best they've put out. Some of the songs show a lot of improvement vocally and musically, some parts are a tiny bit boring. Over all I probably have a personal tilt, but id give the album a 75-80%.

Also great review. I came here expecting the album to be ripped apart.
i'm all for bands experimenting, yeah the vocals didn't help much
but the music in WTAFT is just horrendous, too

[timb89]

"After releasing their underappreciated concept album in 2007"


are you an idiot?
it was actually really good
i hate hardcore but was really impressed by the 2007 album whatever it was called

[more heart]

I can't take this band seriously, mostly because their name itself is a joke which one would think...

[doppelganger]

I think this bands vocalist is probably one of the worst I've ever heard. Is his screaming supposed to make me laugh?
haha

[Christian Otte]

I think these guys have potential, but their vocalist absolutely ruins every song. Guy cannot sing at all.

[ManchesterOrch8]

Your not allowed to have that Blink avatar anymore.
No No.


It was a good decision, I'd rather listen to "Just Got Paid, Let's Get Laid" than anything on this album,


I genuinely enjoy that song, it's good production. I wouldn't go out and blast it through my car, but in my room, just trying to kill the boringness of my job, I put it on and smile.

[AtTheEndOfItAll...]

I don't understand how kids that liked Old DD,G would not like this album. I also can't see why fans from WTAF wouldn't like this either. It's a great blend between the two. For you scenesters out there, it has all the heavy breakdowns you could enjoy, but I think the most impressive part of the The Hot N' Heavy is the way the band can combine a fast paced "hardcore" song with a beauitful chorus or hook. Yes, this genre is overloaded with many terrible bands that get signed way to quick, but DD,G can not be grouped with this. They have mastered all their talents on this album. Everything about his album is great...the vocals cannot be touched with the blend of screams and perfect singing/harmonies. Kids, if you have the $11, go buy this album....you will surely enjoy it!
thank you, I really enjoyed "In Vogue" and this brought back the perfect mix of that and WTAF
as for the band you can turn it on and within 30 seconds you can tell it's them, they have a very unique sound from other screamo bands out there in my opinion

[vincentgrippi]

I still really enjoy this album, it's much better than albums released from bands in the same genre (A Skylit Drive for example)

Too many people give this band shit, but I think they do it well.

Good review, I'd have rated it a bit higher.

I totally agree.

People love to collectively hate this band amongst many others. It's unfortunate because this band deserves a lot more credit than it gets.

Oh yeah and WTAFT was WAY underrated concept album. In fact, it is one of the few albums that actually present an interesting, believable and interactive concept. They altered their sound/style to nail that insane, chaotic, raging sound. Then you have the great back story and the web site that plays along with it. AH. Totally awesome. I'd like to see a band commit themselves to something like that more often. They weren't the first, but they did it right and they did it well.

[danielineffigy]

I love his vocals and I think this is easily their best album. It sounds a lot like Underoath's Define The Great Line, but it's still DDG.

[Whereisreggie]

I love your reviews. You always review bands that would never get reviewed on this site otherwise and you even give them a chance too. Kudos man.

[newfoundmichael]

Well I learned something today. I didn't know people actually enjoyed their last album.

[Cøltøn]

I love his vocals and I think this is easily their best album. It sounds a lot like Underoath's Define The Great Line, but it's still DDG.
Kinda reminded me of Underoath in a way too. Not nearly as good though.

[JLPullano]

Good album...not better then their last effort though. Still has some favorable moments.

[knowthisx]

DanceGavinDance is now shit after Johnny left, A Skylit Drive is now shit after Jordan left, Emarosa is now shit after the singer left, Underoaths latest effort is shit. I just don't have any bands to listen to.

wrong, wrong wrong, and wrong.

Although ASD has always sucked, you failed on all accounts there.

[chelseaxsmilexD]

i would give it a 73 from what i've heard off it.

[Dan Sando]

Im goin to their show tomorrow night...actually...will go see He is Legend open, then leave immediately after their set and go get drunk in NYC

[red8ge]

Im goin to their show tomorrow night...actually...will go see He is Legend open, then leave immediately after their set and go get drunk in NYC
why don't you get drunk after he is legend and start a fight with a swooshy haired cool guy?

[TotalCollapse]

The screaming annoys me so much. He sounds likes he's 10.

[cr0psy]

In my opinion this album isn't......horrible.
It just sounds exactlly like Worse Than A Fairy Tale

Honestly, In Vouge was a lot better than the most recent two

[Shoorty0690]

I like the album. He has a unique way of singing. Some may not like it, and others will define it as something different and new. Either way, I will continue to listen to it. Id say if anything, they became more melodic and more mainstream with this new release. His erratic singing has been toned down. The production on this is pretty impressive though. The bass bumps when I have it in my car.

Oh, and at the end of Two birds, one stone made me laugh. Sue Simmons got owned. I'm glad I saw that on TV when it happened. "The FUCK are you doing!!!"

I bet Aaron Rothe feels like an asshole leaving DDG for...Sonny....FAIL.

And for the person above that said Emarosa is shit now is way off. If anything they're better with JC

[Young Machetes]

The screaming annoys me so much. He sounds likes he's 10.
He's made an Underoath-like progression with his screaming though. He used to sound like a cat screaming, and his screaming slowly grew to a growl.. I'm impressed all over with this album.

[chelseaxsmilexD]

I can't take this band seriously, mostly because their name itself is a joke which one would think...
Actually, it's a take on someone they remember cheating on a guy from the band, she was smoking hot, although that's what i heard through some other thread about In Vogue.

[more heart]

Actually, it's a take on someone they remember cheating on a guy from the band, she was smoking hot, although that's what i heard through some other thread about In Vogue.
That wasn't anything I needed to have explained to me. I don't want to know the history of a terrible band.

[timb89]

Actually, it's a take on someone they remember cheating on a guy from the band, she was smoking hot, although that's what i heard through some other thread about In Vogue.
stop being a stalker no body likes 12 year olds

hardcore is barely a genre, few bands do it ok, bring me the horozin isnt one of them

[timb89]

The screaming annoys me so much. He sounds likes he's 10.
dude im with you... i just dont get screaming. its ok if its harmonised with vocals every now and then... its just used as a medium for guys to show of their spiffy haircuts cos they arent talented enough to be in a regular band. or they are that dillusional and think they are doing completely different to the last 1000 screaming albums released

[tipoftheiceberg]

"After releasing their underappreciated concept album in 2007"


are you an idiot?
he's not. but you're a dick?

[YoTengoRabbi]

he's not. but you're a dick?
Correct!

[absolutebutthol]

YOU FUCKED WITH THE WRONG SON OF A BITCH!!!!!!! That line is soo badass. This band may be considered a generic scene band but theres nothing more honest about Danny Stills vocals. Everything hes screaming about easily convinces the listener. I think this is by far their best record. It took me forever to warm up to WTAFT, and I think Ross Robinson totally ruined that record. Matt Goldmann did a good job. Id like to see this band get more credit, and get more recognition, and start getting as big as ADTR.

[simensays]

Are You Happy!
You Got What You Wanted
You're Winter
And I Left You For Summer
My Everything You'll Bleed To Death On Me

best screamo song ever

[simensays]

BTW, i liked The Hot N Heavy.
It's just In Vogue, his screams sounded like their is blood gargling in his throat! It's so fucking sic and disgusting, i love it. It was such a unique scream!

[Undermyoath]

Nice Review.

But I had given it a 7.2

Cause of the big change the band made from their last album.

[chelseaxsmilexD]

I DLed Millionaires over them a few weeks back.


Decision still stands.
I'm sorry, I have no idea what you just said. Explain?

[ManchesterOrch8]

I'm sorry, I have no idea what you just said. Explain?
I downloaded Millonaires over them a few weeks back.


Decison still stands.



There.

[chelseaxsmilexD]

I downloaded Millonaires over them a few weeks back.


Decison still stands.



There.
I understand how some people can hate DDG. But why didn't you just go without both? I mean, now you can say you've bought a crunkcore song/album.... it's saddening and I feel very sorry for you. However, I love your username... Shake It Out man, that might get rid of the shitty genre on your Ipod/zune/mp3.

[jay_klinkhammer]

It's pretty decent except for that they ripped off the breakdown in 4LL's "I dont speak to dead men" in "Southern Lovin'"

I think thats the 4LL song....but it's really EXACTLY the same breakdown and vocal melody. Insane, haha.

[Mibabalou]

this is a decent album i thought well i really just like killing a classic and two birds one stone

[Mibabalou]

He's made an Underoath-like progression with his screaming though. He used to sound like a cat screaming, and his screaming slowly grew to a growl.. I'm impressed all over with this album.
same producer as underoath thats why

thats why i even checked this album out i like goldmans work