Music Spectrum went on an unscheduled hiatus in recent months. This review is part of the “basement notebooks”—old reviews written by hand but only being posted online. Enjoy!
While at times Giselle Claudia Webber’s debt to Siouxsie Sioux is unmistakable, Hot Springs’ Volcano begins with “Headrush,” a Janis Joplin-like rhythm charged blues rock that has a very live sound. And while there’s a metric feel in Hot Springs’ electronica pop, it’s more akin to the Sugarcubes—although the ballad rocker “Fog and the Horn” is definitely Bjork art.
What’s dangerous here is Webber’s sexuality that alternates between poetic and flauntingly club scene ready with a punk-like frankness. It’s “dangerous” because it’s lesbian and graphic (“Pink Money”), although we’ve settled for years with a frank, blunt, cheapness in the male-dominated sexuality of rock ‘n’ roll. While uncomfortable, to reject Hot Springs outright would be to ignore their tremendous musicianship and craft—while we go back to our “safe” world of the Stones, Who, Kinks, Led Zeppelin, and the Doors.
Unfortunately, Hot Springs broke up at the beginning of this month. Here’s hoping that the members show up soon in equally challenging and beautiful projects.
Hot Springs (where Giselle will post info about their future)
Le Groupe DKD/Aquarius Records
