Search - Hot Rod Circuit :: If I Knew What I Knew Then

A true rock album from a band surging with energy

Travis Weir | New York, NY | 12/24/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Very few bands can produce music that you can listen to anytime. Beware, Hot Rod Circuit is not one of those bands. This would be a strike against them if their music didn't consistently alter mood with soul-forward power and conviction, carried from them to you on a wave of rockstar stamina that really has to be experienced live to be believed. I was fortunate enough to catch them live in New York on the Big Wheel Rec showcase. Their set was nothing short of a tribute to their name, giving a taut, energetic performance that left a well worked-over audience for lively Ivory Coast and Jimmy Eat World. Very few bands have a presence that translates to recordings. Hot Rod Circuit have spared nothing on "If I Knew Now What I Knew Then." This album is relentless, making reasonably brief trips into mellow territory. These guys know what they do best, and do not simply plop in a "slow song" to give an illusion of balance. Their balance is found in catchy, visceral guitar work and smart vocals, simple and well-formed harmonies that can be carried at their music's most fevered moments. The lyrics are clean, agile, without any half-baked attempts at poetry or wit, just expression as straightforward as their instrumental work. If you do not like rock at its loudest, avoid this album. This is material intended solely to get the blood flowing in the veins, and that is its only discernible weakness. It's not background music, and the entire album is a lot to take in one sitting. "Circuit" don't repeat themselves as much as they sustain one kind of listening experience throughout, and that experience can be long enough to outlast your mood. These flaws are minor, subjective and grounded more in the listener than the album. If you love the Get Up Kids, Reggie and the Full Effect, The Ivory Coast, etc. this is a must buy. Every song is worthy of repeated listening and is a near-direct translation of the band's stage presence. On a final note, certain venues and certain crowds can be initimidating. When you're the only hardcore fan of a band that isn't headlining, it can be a little lonely. No one in the crowd at the venue I attended really knew Hot Rod Circuit, including myself. This was in the Northeast (a far cry from the band's home in Alabama). One guy stood out. He was maybe 5'-5" wearing big glasses, a loud shirt, a little awkward, not the most chic-looking guy. He was singing every line with the band with a smile on his face for the whole 45 minute set, sweating and yelling amidst a crowd of kids doing the standing-still. A band that plays hard enough to make someone ignore what others think of him for awhile deserves at the very least a purchase from me. If want rock that makes you feel invincible, grab this disc right away. If you like things with a lot of variation and at a more subdued volume, think twice before buying."

I love Hot Rod Circuit

Chris | Easton/Kutztown PA | 08/03/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this album about 5 months ago after hearing their EP that my friend had from a show. I was supposed to see them live, but the car broke down, yada yada yada. Anyway, this album is great, even better than the EP. It's a shame that these guys don't get the recognition that the Get Up Kids and New Found Glory do, because this is as good as if not better than those respective bands. The singer doesn't have as whiny as a voice, and the music is a bit less bouncy. They are emo though, I guess, but they're not really punk or pop that much, but don't get this thinking that you're getting something along the lines of Rites of Spring or anything of that nature. This album is great though, even though the boys do seem to be a bit obsessed with octaves."

Generation X-treme Sports

Michael Goodlet | Liverpool, UK | 01/04/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"From the outset of this album sounds like the soundtrack to every BMX video you've ever seen. The contrast between slow, melodic patterns and the harsher energy release of a classic angst ridden emo band is the perfect backdrop for this truly great album. Although this album reaches it's peak at the second track with the towering "Irish Car Bomb" every track is on it's own as a work of art. If you like the Promise Ring, The Get Up Kids, or in fact any emo band, this would be a valuable addition to your collection. Keep on riding kids."