Quirky NY Chick: Hot Seconds Burned The Mutha Down …

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Hot Seconds Burned The Mutha Down …

9:00 PM | Posted by Quirky NY Chick

Hot Seconds: July 16 @ Pianos, New York, NY

I hadn’t actually planned on writing about this show. I just went to have a

good time and hear some good music. Friday night, Hot Seconds, James Love (vocals/guitar), Eran Westwood (guitar/vocals), Marcel Simoneau (bass) and Ian Hudgins (drums/vocals) took to the stage at Pianos … their third show this month. They launched into their set and proceeded to set things on fire and burn the place down … okay, not literally. I knew then I’d be saying something about the show.

They haven’t played with that kind of fire since January of last year. That show I said they were on the verge of being dangerous and were attempting to take over the world. They had come close to matching that intensity and fire several months later. But, it wasn’t until Friday night that they matched that fire and perhaps even surpassed it.

There was a get down to business, take no prisoners vibe and at times flashes of urgency. But, at the same time there was an attitude of balls out fun. The audience didn’t need encouraging; it was clear we were along for the ride from jump and the band was feeding off it like never before.

Everyone seemed relaxed and enjoying themselves. Okay, perhaps some of that relaxed vibe had to do with Love turning twenty-five for the tenth year and they were enjoying all that goes with such milestone moments. But, there was just a terrific energy that made the fire burn brightly.

There were some bits that sounded different … slight changes? Perhaps it was just me heading

towards being sideways? The harmonica bit in “When I Go” has changed … actually that’s been sounding different since they’ve been back out rockin’. “Helicopter” seemed to rock harder. “Apathy” sounded more full-bodied and robust. There were other bits that sounded different but those are the ones that stick out without listening to the playback.

Love was relaxed. He really is stepping up his rock star game … a cheeky charmer that one. I’m still getting used to him not playing guitar during “Pieces of You.” For some reason, even though I’ve seen this arrangement of the song a few times, it keeps throwing me. It throws me but I like it, it seems to have more of a harder edge to it now.

Westwood’s playing was hot and tight. He was loose and smiling and I like the smiles … but, I didn’t even get my death glare. What’s up with that? I shove my camera in your face; you glare at me … it’s our thing, it works for us.

Hudgins was like a friggin’ mad man … completely and totally animal, insanely animal. I was watching him play and for a while now I’ve been trying to

put my finger on what it is that made me a fan of a drummer, this drummer … other than the fact that he’s good. I think I’ve figured it out. He plays with this magnificent lack of inhibition that’s fun to watch and listen to.

Simoneau made my tailbone vibrate. Need I say more? Probably so but if you’ve ever experienced that feeling then you don’t need more explanation. Anytime your bones vibrate at a rock concert, it’s a good thing.

I certainly had fun. Hoist the flag and consider Pianos conquered. In the end they walked off the figurative blackened embers of the Pianos stage knowing it was theirs. Holy hell boys, welcome back.

Check out the video of "Clam Man" from the show below. I know, I know, after talking about their fire, I give you the most mellow song of the night. And yes, the questionable camera work is back ... it's my thing!

More photos HERE.