Review: The Hot One Two – ‘Unrestrained’ EP

Along with the sound of a guitar being plugged in and the feedback that ensues, there is perhaps no better way to begin a song than the drummer counting the band in with the sweet sound of sticks on a cymbal. It creates the perfect illusion of the band all being together in the same room, standing facing the drummer as he gives them the nod, then raises his sticks. And it’s this method of announcing the arrival of a new EP that Cambridge-based rock band The Hot One Two goes with on the rather-stonking opening track ‘Bleed On Me’.

So once Joe Chivers counts his band mates in, what follows is four slabs of good-time, old-school hard rock and roll. Nowt wrong with being old-school in 2022. Too many acts get so wrapped up in the pursuit of discovering what could be perceived as a new sound that they forget about the key principles in rock music: is it honest? does it make the head bob in time? does it spark some recollection of legendary acts? and most importantly – will it piss off the neighbours when it is cranked up? And with ‘Unrestrained’ the answers to the above would be; yes, yes, yes, and finally…yes.

Four tracks to stream until your heart is content, or if you prefer the physical approach, four tracks for five quid on a CD direct from the band themselves. Four tracks of guitar-driven rock; the aforementioned ‘Bleed On Me’ packs a GNR/Dr. Feelgood-era Crue punch, but with Foo Fighters-sized vocal hooks, and maybe even a few Billy Duffy-like guitar licks from lead guitarist Nick Manners thrown in. It’s loud and brash and gets the job done. Ultimately it’s a track for the live stage, and no doubt it will sound one hundred times larger in a sweaty club. ‘Move and Shake’ does what it says on the tin and brings an Aerosmith-style swagger to the party thanks to the duelling twin guitars from Manners and fellow six-stringer Kev Baker. The opening thirty seconds or so are vocal-free and highlight a band full of confidence; the swinging tempo from Joe Chivers and bassist Nick Blackburn is rock-solid and packs more beef than the beefiest of beef factories in Argentina. The track springs to life when vocalist Simon West marks his arrival by showcasing a fine set of lungs full of authenticity. The backing vocals from Manners and Blackburn are a nice touch, but it’s the hellacious guitar solo on 02:50 that steals the show – simply stunning. ‘Chains’ might just be the pick of the bunch, the minute-long jam at the beginning should have you reaching to turn the volume dial skywards (especially when the sizzling guitar riffs land), and West’s vocals have a bit of a touch of Axl Rose in places, on a track that fits in better with more modern acts such as Alter Bridge than GNR. Closing track ‘Shot Down’ is led by the NWOBHM-like twin guitar riffs, machine-gun drum sound, and gritty vocals. The guitar work is (as it is throughout the EP) vital, and larger-than-life.

As touched on previously, The Hot One Two are geared up for performing in a live setting (they certainly don’t come across as a band that stands still on stage), and these songs will sound massive with a wall of Marshall amps behind them. Each show will bring more experience, more confidence, and more fans. The burgeoning festival circuit on the New Wave of Classic Rock scene has a gap ready and waiting for these guys.

More information, here.

Review – Dave

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