Hot Snakes - Suicide Invoice Review

Posted by Rich Piva on 09.07.2002

This band is the savior of rock and roll. The only problem is not enough people will ever get to hear them.

In 2000, the Hot Snakes released an utter masterpiece. Automatic Midnight was the best CD released that year. The ultimate Rock and Roll album. The heaviest sound that can possibly be produced, garage like punk that blows anything the Hives or Vines can throw out there today (and I like those two bands). This was supposed to be a one-time thing for the two main contributors, John Reis (Rocket From the Crypt) and Rick (Eric) Froberg (Drive Like Jehu and other well loved punk and indie bands). What they created was the most loved album in punk circles for 2000.

There was not supposed to be a follow-up album, but this year the boys release Suicide Invoice on Reis’ own Swami Records. I could not wait to get my hands on this, but was having trouble finding it (South Florida music stores tend to suck or have made me mad enough that I won’t go back). Upon first listen, I was a bit disappointed. It seems to have lost a bit of the edge and heaviness that made Automatic Midnight so awesome. Songs like “LAX” and the title track seemed like they got major label treatment and an expensive studio. Missing is the heavy keyboards and bass that makes my cheap factory car system shake. Actually, the bass is still there, but it seems turned down a bit. So upon first listen, I was a bit disappointed.

Listening again I found myself wondering what I was so critical about. The opening track, “I Hate the Kids” is great straight ahead punk with none of the rich kid vibe that bands like New Found Glory and Good Charlotte put out. “Paid in Cigarettes” has punk anthem written all over it, with Froberg’s singing/screaming voice leading the way trailed closely behind by Reis’ guitar work and songs he could only wish his other band would play (they used to). This is what rock is supposed to be: loud, fast, nasty, heavy. There are no throw away tracks among the 12 songs on their sophomore effort. The problem was I was comparing the new CD with their classic debut to which, in my opinion, only few rock albums hold a candle. I am not overstating how good this band is. This band is the savior of rock and roll. The only problem is not enough people will ever get to hear them.

Overall, I would say Suicide Invoice is as good or better then anything released so far this year. You will never hear this on the radio, so pick up both Suicide Invoice and their first classic, Automatic Midnight. If you like straight ahead rock with a punk/garage feel, this is a must have. The garage/punk thing seems to be the next big thing, so check out the masters of rock and get on board.