Hot Flash Heat Wave’s Journey Through “Sportswear”
Jenny Sorto
The SF trio, Hot Flash Heat Wave releases their newest album, Sportswear. The band made up of Adam Abildgaard, Nick Duffy, and Ted Davis, hone in on their playful and experimental indie-pop sound on this record. Sportswear is a reflection of the group’s self-discovery and existential musings.
Photo by Mortis Studios
Davis gives us some insight into the themes behind the album, “Sportswear is a world of its own, a vision that encompasses not just music, but art, storytelling and fashion as well.” Taking sonic influences from early goth, new wave, and house, the band added their touches of indie, pop, psychedelia, and R&B to create the sound of Sportswear.
Check out some highlights from Sportswear below!
The album opens with “Yesterday” a nostalgic track both sonically and lyrically. The moody synths of the intro feel like you’re inside a futuristic 80s film. The lyrics are reminiscent of the past with the repetition of “take me back” throughout the song setting the tone for the rest of the record.
The last single released, “Bay Boys” has elements of Hot Flash Heat Wave’s quintessential indie sound. Aptly named after the band’s Bay Area roots, the song feels like it was made to be played while cruising up the coast. The track is about a love affair with running away. The lyrics “Baby I was born to run, so the second I’m feelin a little vacation, skipping this town with no hesitation,” give the sense of wanderlust.
Other previous singles like the upbeat, dreamy track “Vampires” and the darker yet punchy “Grudge” quickly became favorites of ours creating high anticipation for what was to come from Hot Flash Heat Waves’ third LP.
“Spin” is a fun, shimmering song with groovy guitars. The playfulness is reflected in the metaphor of a carousel to describe the relationship of continually coming back to someone. The sensation of spinning around is dizzying a lot like what being in and out of love is like.
On “Bridge to Nowhere” there is a slight departure from some of the more indie-leaning tracks, with its electronic and dance components. The upbeat instrumentals give space to the hazy vocals. The chorus gives into the existential thoughts of life feeling like a bridge to nowhere and wanting to “give in to the sweet surrender.” The track fits the end of the journey that is Sportswear.
Sportswear encapsulates all that fans have come to love about Hot Flash Heat Wave’s music. The journey of the album is dynamic, taking us somewhere different on each song. Both the storytelling and production show the band’s growth while creating something that feels authentic to them.
