Dead Hot Workshop is huge in its hometown of Tempe, Arizona and has developed that fanbase into a devoted Southwest following. They're now looking to become a national presence. The current (since 1990) lineup: singer/guitarist Brent Babb, bassist G. Brian Scott, guitarist Steve Larson, and drummer, percussionist, backing vocalist Curtis Grippe. Dead Hot is an alternative rock band that sounds like Gin Blossoms, Hootie and the Blowfish, and Soul Asylum. The band claims this is not the case and that their influences are Kiss and Black Sabbath with some Lynyrd Skynyrd and Byrds' harmonizing thrown in. Regardless of the band's statement, the Gin Blossoms have always been great friends and Dead Hot sounds more like them than they ever will sound like a hard rock band.
The band's new album is 1001, the street number of a Tempe club where Dead Hot often appeared. Their first release was last year's EP River Otis followed by White House and a full length cassette. 1001, their debut on Tag Recordings, was produced by Jim Scott (AC/DC, Tom Petty, Johnny Cash, Sting). This 14 track set is one of the first releases from Atlantic's newly established Tag Recordings. The best of these songs has be be "A", the first commercial alternative radio single off 1001. It promises to be huge on "alternative" stations, including "Vinyl Advice". The radio will get the entire album with emphasis on Vinyl Advice. The tracks don't falter except in providing clear lyrics. Babb's high tenor doesn't do justice to the ballads turning pleas into whines. Still, rock songs are the majority and the band does them up in style. Special commendation to guitarist Larson playing classic four chord rock with elegance.
The band has spent the spring and early summer relocating to the Southeast and touring that region in support of 1001. With their current tour supporting the Gin Blossoms, expect Dead Hot Workshop to deservedly break things open. If you like Gin Blossoms, Hootie and the Blowfish, and Soul Asylum, see Dead Hot Workshop and try 1001 for solid alternative rock. Information on Dead Hot Workshop and their activities will be available on the Tag web site, www.tagrec.com.
