Music Reviews: The Heat Tape - "The Heat Tape"

Over the years bands who have made a name for themselves have had members who wanna branch out and release an album of their own. Or form a side project that reflects who they are as individuals. Sometimes these solo albums and side projects work. Other times they fall flat and show little resemblance of the greatness of their day job. This is NOT the case with Brett Hunter, guitarist of Carbondale, IL favorite sons The Copyrights. Hunter, who has not one but TWO side projects, has just released the self titled 7" from his band The Heat Tape (Underground Communique Records). And it's a damn good release.

For close to 10 years Hunter has been a part of the greatness that is The Copyrights, releasing 5 full length albums along with a handful of singles and splits. The Heat Tape are a trio from Makanda, IL who play a little more grittier and lo-fi than The Copyrights or Hunters OTHER band Dear Landlord. But the 4 songs on this 7" are equally as effective and strong. The band Hunter, Brooks Davey and Ben Bleyer play more of a garage style of dirty punk rock. And it really works for them.

"Love And Sweat" is a great tune about having fun while you still can. And try to remember the years are not slowing down for any of us. We gotta get while the gettings good! "Freebird" should have been called "Freedom" since it's all about not being locked up and being able to do as you please. I guess at the end of the day the 4 songs on this amazing EP are all about living for today and enjoying what you have because it may not be there tomorrow. A wonderful philosophy to live by in this day and age! No matter who you are, what your background is and how financially stable you may or may not be...we can STILL have fun and be carefree, even for a short time. And The Heat Tape remind us of that.



4 / 5 stars