(Out of Sound, 2008)

It’s rare that I really feel the urge to put on some fist-pumping hard rock, but when I do there’s a shortlist of bands that I turn to. In the realm of modern independent Canadian music that list usually starts and stops with C’mon. However, with this latest EP HotKid have made an impressive bid to get me revved up.

Brought to you by Guelph’s Out of Sound Records, The Cost is a three song EP of good ol’ fashion balls-out rock. Furthermore, featuring both the driven beats of Peter McIntosh and the incendiary riffage of Shiloh Harrison, HotKid are one of the noisiest two-pieces around.

The EP opens strong with the fury of “Southern Rock,” which features Harrison offering up some slightly muffled, but haunted wailing. For my money though, things really kick into high gear with “The One You Hold,” a rollicking and briskly paced ditty that is the sound of relentless movement, after which “Counting” brings the EP to a seductive halt.

Of course, in keeping with Out of Sound’s Digital DIY theme (a movement that will be discussed in detail soon, as I’ll be posting an interview with the guys), included with The Cost is a 10 page PDF booklet complete with instructions for printing your very own HotKid poster.

All told, it’s looking like I might just have another go-to band when it comes to kicking out the Canadian indie jams.

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HotKid - The One You Hold

Hear more at HotKid’s Myspace page or plunk down the measly $3.33 and grab a digital copy of The Cost from Zunior.