Hot Snakes - Audit In Progress (Album Review)

 

Hot Snakes - Audit In Progress

(2004)


My copy: 2018 remastered reissue on pink vinyl by Sub Pop.


2004 brought the third post-Drive Like Jehu full length from Rick Froberg and John Reis, with the Hot Snakes catalog eventually being picked up and reissued by Sub Pop. It’s astounding that Hot Snakes didn’t appear on one of the major alt-rock labels earlier considering the incredible sharpness of the production and songwriting on Audit In Progress. 

The guitars on “Braintrust” careen forth with the energy of a freight train, only steadying out for Froberg’s iconic voice, which has been tempered slightly to fit more consumable choruses. “Hi-Lites” is bubbly yet aggressive with searing guitar again being the focal point. Crashing riffs lurch with fury during the instrumental choruses of “Retrofit” which is a highlight for its ability to build anticipation with extended verses. 

Vocal repetition turns “Kreative Kontrol” into an utter earworm with rapid tremolo rhythms that intertwine. Underneath the addicting guitar riffs are heavy booming drums and perfectly mixed bass across the entire record. “Think About Carbs” descends more into pop territory with an affectionate groove that contrasts the forward lyrics. Froberg and Reis have definitely exchanged eclectic song structures and sounds for tighter production and compositions, but the ferocity is firmly intact, making even the simpler songs energetic and exciting. 

“Audit In Progress” is probably the catchiest tune of the record with straightforward punk hooks and powerful chugging. “Hatchet Job” experiments by remaining entrenched in tension and dissonant chords until the final build up lands and focuses on a twinkly major chord that (rather ineffectually) fades out. The amazingly produced tom drums are spotlighted on “Lovebirds” which sees the inclusion of either a heavily affected bass tone or a synthesized melody that intertwines with Froberg’s frustrated shouts. 

“Reflex” is the fastest track with the most abrasive progression that never stops rushing forward as opposed to the almost surf inspired slamming of “Hair And DNA” that turns to screeching guitar bends during the chorus. It’s almost comical then how bright and sunny the progression on “Plenty For All” is, painting images of speeding down a sun-soaked highway in a fast car. Still, the concluding track is tight, moving between minor passages back into its major riff all while Froberg keeps the energy heightened. 

Audit In Progress is one of those special cases where an album that focuses almost entirely on songwriting and production while keeping the sound relatively simple results in an amazing product. The sheer magnitude of the drums and low-end coupled with blazing, unrelenting waves of guitar should be enough to convince anyone that these guys know their way around a studio. The songs are also tightly conceived, though some fall victim to drawn-out repetition more than others. Froberg and Reis may have a singular sound that they continuously harp on, but at least they can execute it near perfectly.

    R.I.P. Rick Froberg

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