Heated Bones – Hot Lightning
Heated Bones is an up-and-coming concept band from Colorado whose music is a mix of indie rock and psychedelic rock. Right when I hit play on their second release Hot Lightning, I was reminded of The Beatles and other such like-minded bands. Heated Bones’ explosive sound is a real treat to the ears as the lead male vocals belts out the lyrics with gusto and the other instrumentals come in in support of him. I think there’s a ton to appreciate here, so let’s dive right in.
Hot Lightning begins with “Amalgamite,” where some synths sound out on this recording. Next, a driven drumming beat arrives for a searing sound alongside some bass and guitars. I loved the vibrant indie rock vibes. The energy was also great. Once the male lead vocals came in, I was instantly getting The Beatles vibes. The vocals and music felt like a direct throwback to that era. The music had a great flow to it and everything sounded really great. Without missing a beat, the next track “Spring Dream” comes in with flowing synths and more. I felt carried away by the dreamy sounds. The hazy instrumentals arrive for a moving sound. Once the male lead vocals came in, this went on to clinch the dream-like waves of music. I thought the music here had a lot of atmosphere to it. Absolutely loving the ambience. Up next, the band struts in with an assuredness and ease that I thought was amazing on “Dazzle.” The music itself was very melodious and dynamic. I thought the guitars sounded particularly great here. The music had a slightly lounge vibe and jazz appeal that I thought was a nice change of pace from the previous songs.
On “Time,” some rumbling and monotonous synths arrive. Next, a wall of explosive guitars comes into the scene. The male lead vocals are filled with reverb and I was instantly reminded of The Strokes here. The psychedelic guitars also sounded really great here. Toward the title-track “Hot Lightning,” the sound of rain and thunder enter the recording. Next, some warbling synths reels in a very electric vibe. Next, drums and other instrumentals rev up a very bombastic vibe. The sound of synths and keys give off a very electronic air. I liked how the band mixes up natural and synthetic instrumentation here. Their energy here was very revved and happening. Once more their classic sound reminded me of The Beatles. A total 180 from the other tracks, “Berry” starts off with some acoustic guitar and synths. I enjoyed the sparse sound. The marching beat also offered up a great vibe. Some xylophones give off some unique instrumentation. This proved to be a moving and atmospheric closer.
Heated Bones has definitely got something here. Their wild energy and synergy are unbeatable! I really couldn’t get enough of this. Originally “The Guestlist,” Heated Bones are making a name for themselves as Colorado psyche rockers with storytelling and wild theatrics in the mix. Everything from the ground up had a wild, uncontainable energy that I thought was great. I enjoyed this and think that you will too. Be sure you give this a spin today! 7/10
By my Ngguyen