Let’s face it, most live albums suck. It’s an inescapable fact of life. Too often what you get are obviously overdubbed, “live” records that contain songs performed exactly like their studio counterparts. Who would want to pay 12 dollars to hear an inferior version of the same song? Not me.
So when I heard that Columbia rock gods Hot Lava Monster are releasing a live album I was naturally skeptical. However, with the CD release party coming up on Saturday I can say without a doubt that this album will kick your ass. Recorded over two shows at Columbia’s Five Points Pub and Art Bar, it combines the best of HLM’s previous discs into a high octane 10 song feast of rock. What separates the tracks from other live albums is the feeling that there is something about Hot Lava Monster that can only be experienced live. There is a lot of screaming rock guitar to fit into a recording, and Bob Moore of the Sound Lab has engineered and mixed a live album that manages to sound great while retaining the feeling and energy that highlights a HLM performance.
While it is no substitute for actually seeing the band perform, it is a great tangible reminder of the fact that this band will rock your face off the next time you see them.
The CD release party will take place at Sudworks (formerly Five Points Pub) this Saturday night at 10pm. Don’t expect to leave with a physical CD though; the guys have taken the serious modern route by making the album available just through itunes and by download card. SceneSC.com favorites the Reverie will open the show.
