Hot Water Music represents the Gainesville punk scene with vengeance. They bring the newer style of pop punk and post-hardcore to the near mainstream with their melodic style and heavy hitting guitars. When front man Chuck Ragan isn't working and touring for his solo side project, he is touring with HWM (Hot Water Music) frequently all over the world.
They play many different venues and festivals, but I saw them most recently in St. Louis at Fubar, a venue known for hosting punk, metal, and hip-hop acts. The venue atmosphere is grimy and stagnant, with a very raw sound stage, and personal feel to the shows. The show was set for glory with opening act Off With Their Heads!, another in the vein of HWM to punch out catchy, emotional songs with fierce enthusiasm.
The crowd is very energetic and constantly in a state of motion, with a vigorous mosh pit and anthemic singing along with the band. The venue was strictly standing room only, with a few seats in the far side of the club near the bar, which was for patrons 21 years and older. The sound in front of the stage was mediocre, but the enthusiasm brought to the show far outweighed the sound.
The show was very exhausting with all the moshing and dancing, and by the end my voice was scratchy from singing with the band. They spanned all of their albums in the set, from Fuel for the Hate Game to Exister, providing a fantastic mix of their discography to the crowd.
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