Live Show Report: Hot Water Music at Cat's Cradle in Chapel Hill, NC
With Menzingers and Weakened Friends
Ever since the late nineties when I first heard Hot Water Music’s album ‘Fuel for the Hate Game’ I knew I would be a lifelong fan. With over 10 studio albums you know they are here for the long haul. So, I knew I had to go, when I saw they were on tour and playing near me at The Cat's Cradle in Carrboro, NC.
They were co-headlining with The Menzingers who I knew of but never really listened to. Weakened Friends were the opening band who I have never heard of, but I am thankful to being introduced to them! This three-piece band came out rocking and never let up. While they reminded me of a modern 90ish garage rock band from the northwest area it was funny to me when I found out they were from Portland...Maine. I am now a fun and can’t wait to dive into their complete catalog!
Next up was Hot Water Music. One of my favorite things about a Hot Water Music show, besides the music of course, is the crowd. They are singing every word with a few hundred of their closest strangers. Its music fueled passion at its finest. Hot Water didn’t let the crowd down at all! They came out hot and didn’t cool down until well after the show was over. I was stoked to hear a few of my favorite songs, ‘No Division’ and ‘Habitual’.
You just can’t mess with the presence that Chuck Ragan brings to the stage with his gravelly vocals and infectious guitar licks while bassist, Jason Black doesn’t just follow the guitars around. His basslines run their own melody right with them. Dummer, George Rebelo plays with real detail and precision, the kind of drumming that only tightens up this already well-oiled machine. Chris Cresswell fits in perfectly with HWM trading vocals and dueling guitars with Chuck. I always love hearing ‘Turn the Dial’ live!
Closing out the show was The Menzingers with their high energy set with the crowd also singing right along with them. They were tight and sounded great. I’ll check out another one of their shows when they come back through. If you get a chance to see any of these bands here then do it. Live music is the best!
All photos by Leigh Ramsdell
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