The press release for The Hottness mentions that they happen to be a Southern sounding band with a unique approach to the underground scene and that this album is a re-release of their debut, an album that according to their MySpace site was ‘recorded in three days in a bedroom’. 

It all starts with the sound of someone urinating, classy indeed, however once the first song, ‘Straight Brown’, actually kicks in the band do indeed appear to have a certain Southern feel, with the song being very reminiscent of Every Time I Die or Maylene And The Sons Of Disaster.  Whilst this Southern sound does reappear on the album, ‘Classy’ and ‘Trashy’ for example, it is actually not as much at the forefront of the album as one would expect given the press release.  What The Hottness have actually produced is an album that for some will be screamo heaven.   

The three days spent in the bedroom were obviously put to good use as the band have spent the time creating a whole batch of decent songs, ‘The Ghost’, ‘King Of Thieves’ and the hidden track at the end all stand out from the crowd and they even manage to slow things down a tad with songs such as the already mentioned ‘Classy’ as well as ‘Dearly Departed’ and, if you want a good groove to the music, then ‘She’s A Riot’ is for you.  ‘Blue Eyed’, like many of the songs, has a certain Atreyu feel and elsewhere there are definitely Alexisonfire comparisons to be made.   

Overall if you like the idea of screamo with a bit of a Southern tinge, or if any of the bands referenced are to your taste, then Stay Classy is likely to strike a chord.  Whilst the album isn’t the most original release of all time, The Hottness have managed to create a record that is full of catchy, if perhaps not the most memorable, songs.

Let us know your views on Stay Classy

Track Listing

Straight Brown
Blue Eyed
Dearly Departed
This City Is Ours
Still Standing
The Ghost
Classy
Trashy
King Of Thieves
She’s A Riot

Line Up

Adam - Vocals
Billy - Bass
Eric - Guitar/Vocals
Kyle - Guitar/Vocals