Hot Cross

A New Set of Lungs (2002)


Cryonics (2003)


Split W/ Light the Fuse & Run (2003)


Fair Trades and Farewells (2004)

Hot Cross is a good band. Born of remnants of the late 90's screamo scene, they consist of ex-members of Saetia, Joshua Fit for Battle and others. While the members previous bands are pretty good, it would seem Hot Cross is the realization of those goals set forth into blistering action. Hot cross combines all the best things about screamo to make it more than just a silly genre name. This music is fast and technical punk rock. Super squggly and chaotic guitar blasts that function on just as much melody as they do might. Screamed ragged vocals and propulsive beats bring all sorts of emotion to the table as the band manages to throw just about everything they have into each song. Plus they are current. They havent actually broken up yet, like so many of their peers have. They are currently re-recording the songs for the new album, expected on Equal Vision Records sometime early next year. For now their works can be found on a variety of labels including drummer Greg Drudy's record label, Level Plane Records. I look forward to seeing what this band can accomplish with some more time on their hands. Too many of these furiously fast and technical bands disintegrate and move onto other endeavors quicker than their songs are over.