Blog Post
Hotwire: The Story So Far 1993-2023 YELLOW MUFFIN RECORDS Release Date 28th April 2023
Kevin McCallum • 2 March 2023
Album Review
So who are Hotwire? Hailing from Bavaria, they did the rounds in the 90’s , sharing the stages with notables such as Pretty Maids, Bonfire, Jaded Heart , Chakra, Domain and Crystal Ball amongst others. Here we are in 2023, 30 years since the band were formed in 1993 and now find us with a reformed band with this release hitting us on 28th April 2023, on Yellow Muffin Records, ‘The Story So Far 1993-2023’
The album kicks off with a brand new song ‘Slam!’, the 1st single released from the album, which to me is up there with best new AOR rock releases this year, great vocals from Michael Werner who was the original singer with the band. Love the guitar harmonies on this from Hans Heid and Daniel Gumo Reiss.
Next up is ‘Crying In The Night’ a remastered version which originally appeared on the ‘Hotwire’ self titled album from 1995, and will also be the 2nd single from the album.
There’s a good rhythmic and structured feel to this band, excellent lyric writing and power chords/melody where it needs to be heard.
‘Stay In Motion’ another remastered song that originally appeared on 1998 release ‘Face Another Day’.
The album includes a selection of remasters of which there are 12, coupled with 1 new song and 2 re-recorded fan favourites that brings this 15 track album together for our listening please in 2023.
The Drum and Bass work from Tom Glass and Alexander Schott raises the tempo on ‘Take Me To Your Heart’ and brings us a feel good song, on equal footing with the quality heard from the likes of US favs Warrant, Slaughter, Firehouse.
‘Midnight Romeo’, one of the two re-recorded songs on the album, I can understand how this has been a fans favourite. Ticks the boxes , some mighty fine guitar work supports lyrics that many a musician could relate to post show, I guess.
Rapid slow down to the ballad ‘ Sometimes She Cries’, moody in bits but tells a good story in music, lovely song. Originally appeared on the ‘Hotwire’ album from 1995, glad the band have put this into the new album , deserves to be heard.
‘Talk To Me’, again from the 1995 album, faster pace, I do get undertones of a very rocky Fleetwood Mac coming through, this is one of my favourite songs on ‘The Story So Far’.
Hitting just over half way in the album , ‘Under Your Skin’ intros with a big prominent Bass line from Alexander, probably the rockiest track on the album and one of the best guitar solo’s.
One thing is for sure this band can write great songs , there isn’t a bad or borderline one on this release. Also check out the 4 previous albums and you’ll find that there is quality throughout.
‘Heart Of The Young’ continues the feel good theme, will sound good on a summers day blasting out from your car sound system with the roof down, quality track.
‘Lovin’ Kind’ an excellent ballad, another album favourite for me. There have been so many rock ballads released particularly in the ’90’s, this song could hold its own against the best of them no problem.
The 2nd re-recorded song is next up ‘Danger Is Calling’, top class vocals and best guitar solo on the album, power classic/AOR rock track.
Track 12 is ‘Alone’, again originally from the 1995 album, keeps the listener active, your head bopping and feet tapping and interested, plenty going on right through it, top class, keys bring you in and take you out at the end.
‘Waiting For A Sign’ brings us into the last section of the album,3rd ballad, keeps the quality standard.
‘Waterfalls’ second last song, sounds immense through headphones at intro with the sound bouncing left and right, best backing vocals on the album and would class this as a good old classic rock track.
The final track is ‘Once In My Life’ and closes this excellent album, keeps the same quality as the 14 tracks before it.
Album favourites for me are ‘Slam!’, ’Talk To Me’, ’Lovin’ Kind’, ‘Danger Is Calling’ and ‘Waterfalls’ This is a good rock album, Hotwire are probably one of the best rock bands that have been out there that you haven’t heard of before, but now you do, so bring on 28th April 2023 and get it bought! Likewise if they get out on the road to play a venue near you , buy a ticket and go seem them. Keep this music alive.
Kevin McCallum