finetune artist: Hot Hot Heat

Formed in 1999 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, Hot Hot Heat looked back nearly 20 years for inspiration, fashioning their sound after quirky post-punk outfits such as XTC and the Cure. The original line-up featured Matthew Marnik (vocals), Steve Bays (b. 2 May 1978; keyboards), Paul Hawley (b. 24 October 1980; drums) and Dustin Hawthorne (bass). The quartet spent the first year of their existence playing throughout north-west America. They made their recording debut with two self-titled EPs for the Ache label (one from 2000 and comprised of four songs, the other from a year later and featuring three songs), in addition to a split album with another local act, the Red Light Sting. In 2001, Hot Hot Heat released the compilation Scenes One Through Thirteen before signing with the renowned Sub Pop Records. By this point original vocalist Marnik had been replaced by guitarist Dante DeCaro, with Bays taking over vocal duties. A year later the quartet released Make Up The Breakdown, recorded with leading producer Jack Endino. The album was a riot of infectiously catchy three minute pop songs, with "Get In Or Get Out" and "Bandages" particular stand-outs.

Listen to Hot Hot Heat at Finetune.

Middle Of Nowhere
Bandages
Goodnight Goodnight
Talk To Me, Dance With Me
You Owe Me An IOU