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.
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!
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.
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.
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