Hot Rod Circuit is a band that is little-known outside the punk and indie rock communities. Hopefully that will change when their next album, Sorry About Tomorrow, comes out on Vagrant Records in February.
For now though, they have two full-length albums on Triple Crown Records, the latest of which is called If It’s Cool with You, It’s Cool with Me.
Leagues above most of the “emo” bands they are compared to, Hot Rod Circuit combines the intensity of Fugazi with lyrics that are really sweet (without sounding like some dorky drunk guy who’s trying to hit on you at a party).
For some reason, when Andy (the singer) says, “Sweetheart, I’ll hold you so tight it would break my arms,” it sounds completely sincere and really cool.
The first time I heard these guys, they were opening a show for my beloved Alkaline Trio.
Hot Rod Circuit almost stole the show – these guys are totally energetic and into their music.
Casey, the guitarist, reminds me of Guy Picciotto from Fugazi with a more rock attitude. (I don’t know why I keep comparing Hot Rod Circuit to Fugazi – it’s just that HRC is soooo good, and energetic, and passionate, much like Fugazi!)
As an aside, Casey has also done some narration andsoundtrack work for a couple of Gorman Bechard’s short films, In Her Eyes and This Used to be My Beautiful Home. Both of these films, plus Hot Rod Circuit’s video for Flight 89, can be seen at www.ifilm.com.
Hot Rod Circuit is a great band that anyone who is into rock, punk, Fugazi or (sigh) emo should check out.
Beyond all labels, this band is GOOD!

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