Hot Coins-The Damage is Done

When I was first asked to review music several years ago, I quickly hated pigeonholing artists under a particular style or genre. I understand that people's perceptions of an artist are grounded on what music they release and this builds an expectations for future releases, however I try to voice my opinion on the music itself, rather than on any pre-built conceptions. Unfortunately like anything, music has an image, a face and if that is compromised, people become skeptical. It's refreshing that some artists don't give one solitary shit about these pitfalls and follow their own path and do what their passionate about.

Red Rack'em (Danny Berman) has been producing high quality house music for a number of years most notably on his own Bergerac label, which especially pack a refreshing wonky workout to the dancefloor away from generic deep house and the recent 90s revival.  As Hot Coins he's back with an altogether new project with a full band an a homage to music that he's passionate about; that of the cross-pollunation of scenes in the late 70s and early 80s which included bands such as Devo, Yellow, Shriekback and Gang of Four.

'The Damage is Done' in style and ambition isn't necessarily what other artists are releasing, but since when did that matter? It's self-confessed personal project and shouldn't worry about pandering to anybody. The album's scope is ambitious but it starts on a relatively quieter note. On 'Geek Emotions', Berman utilises City Hayes on vocals in a tale of the underdog, whilst on 'The Only Way' he outlines his desire to do things on his own terms, both in content and in style. He also for the first time (correct me if I'm wrong) applies his vocals, which continues throughout most of the album.

On 'Freestyle Lover' he applies the funk for a steady uptempo groove, which continues on 'Confined' which really wears it's influence on it's sleeve with it's unrelenting bassline, reminiscent of Gang of Four-albeit without their socialist backdrop.

My favourite side of the album is the last, with three mainly instrumental tracks. This is where the album moves more towards the party side of the movement, especially on 'Blizzard'. It's like he just can't help himself to get down and boogie. 'I Ching' wouldn't sound out of place on People's Potential Unlimited, modern boogie for modern times. This I highly suspect will be a major part of their impending live performances. Their debut live show will be in his adopted home city of Berlin at Salon Zur Wilden Renate on Saturday 16th February. On top of the band, the supporting cast is a stellar lineup including Hunee, JG Wilkes (Optimo), Ron Basejam and Toby Tobias. For more info check out the RA Event page here. 

For clips and a podcast to celebrate the release, please see below. BUY the album from here, here, and maybe here.