Hot Water Music has been dipping their toes in the pool over the past year after a former hiatus that eventually ended in the breakup of the band. The group joined punkers Naked Raygun to bring in the new year earlier this month for two dates at The House of Blues. Chicago came out to show support for the band who provided inspiration, a little bit of hope, and countless moments to remember at The Fireside Bowl.
Although Friday's show was a bit sparse compared to the Saturday sellout, a hefty group of HWM fans stage right made it feel like a thousand strong. They sang from the heart, looked to the sky, and were transported back to another time and another place. HWM played heavy on material from A Flight And A Crash and it's following albums, but ended with a few from the vaults. The crowd exploded and yes, you could feel the love.
Fans keep fingers crossed that this early '09 outing is only a taste of things to come. Will HWM go full force and play like the title of their October '08 release of b-sides and rarities, Till the Wheels Fall Off? Or will they continue to drop in from time to time and catch up with old friends? Whatever the outcome, HWM fans will come out and enjoy every show as if it were the last.
View more of Maureen Vana's reviews and pictures on vanaphotography.com and the NBC Chicago Street Team Blog.
