Hot Water Music’s new album, Vows, has a lot to celebrate. It’s the 10th record from the Gainesville punk vets and their 30th anniversary as a band — one who’ve gone on to influence Against Me!, Coheed and Cambria, and Thrice, to name a few. Fittingly, their new record taps on their friends, bringing collaboration to the forefront in vivid color. There’s an appearance from Brendan Yates and Daniel Fang of Turnstile, whose band were named after a song from their 1997 LP Fuel for the Hate Game. Elsewhere, Dallas Green (City and Colour, Alexisonfire), the Interrupters, Thrice, Calling Hours, and Farside all bring heart and heat to a project that rivals their 2000s output. To celebrate its release, bassist Jason Black and guitarist/vocalist Chris Cresswell gave us a complete breakdown of every song on their new album.
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“Menace”
We had a lot of discussions about how to open the album, but I’m glad we went with “Menace.” This one hits like an old friend with a nice new coat of paint. It would fit on any other HWM record, but it would definitely be one of the best songs on there. The song touches on how easy it is to get bogged down in the negativity of today’s world and how we all have the choice of whether to buy into it and feed the beast or look for a different, brighter way out. —Jason Black
“Searching For Light”
This was constructed from an old, acoustic skeleton that Chuck [Ragan] had lying around. Obviously very different from the starting point, this was a contender to kick off the record before we settled on “Menace.” It was nice to have this groove come back into the mix. It’s been a while since we’ve had a song that has this feel. The second chorus hi-hat pattern is very “Tom Sawyer,” and that is very on purpose. —Jason Black
“Burn Forever”
“Burn Forever” is the first song out of this batch that gave everyone “the vibe.” We knew we were on the right track once we had this in the tank. This song is about processing grief — allowing it to happen and also about the things we learn to help us through it. The two-headed Chris [Wollard and Cresswell] attack is lovely. —Jason Black
“After The Impossible” (feat. City and Colour)
This one took some work and some self-assuring. This is, to us, the biggest departure we’ve made in a long time, but it felt good and came out really, really cool. Having Dallas [Green] and Chuck both basically singing lead vocals on the track makes it feel much more like a conversation, which lends a particularly appropriate color to the subject matter of missing someone. —Jason Black
“Remnants” (feat. Brendan Yates and Daniel Fang)
All-time banger. The working title for this was “Chili Peppers Song” — no shame. Part of the goal for this record was to make our 30th anniversary a celebration, and this song perfectly encapsulates that vibe. Being able to get the homies Daniel [Fang] and Brendan [Yates] on this really elevated things and made this a special track for us. This is a song about friendship and what it means to be a true friend to a person dear to us, even through the toughest times of our lives. These values are based on whether or not we choose to be present for one another when all seems to fall apart. Congas will now be on all Hot Water Music records. —Jason Black
“Chewing On Broken Glass”
Super attentive folks may know this was an almost finished/almost released song from the Draft. It is not easy to come up with these kinds of cool, ’90s, Lemonheads-style songs. Brian [McTernan] came across it going through some old demos, and we gladly resurrected it from the land of lost tunes. Written in darker times, it’s about feeling like you’re not in control of your life. And how it can leave you struggling against the bitterness that comes with it all. —Jason Black
“Fences” (feat. Thrice)
Another groove we’ve been missing for a while that is nice to have back in the repertoire. Also, everything the Thrice dudes touch is gold, so we win by osmosis. Thank you, buds! —Jason Black
“Side Of The Road”
This was written from the depths of trying desperately to make sense of a powerful loss. The frayed and frantic thoughts that came in a time so overwhelmingly full of the unknown. But in writing those words down and committing them to record, I learned more and more about what I get from what I feel. I hope we all have our own version of that in life. This song is for my friend Ben, who is still teaching me new things every day. —Chris Cresswell
“Wildfire” (feat. Calling Hours)
Farside was a huge influence on us when we started the band. Before that, even Chris [Wollard] actually called Popeye Vogelsang at his mom’s house to get advice on touring. It is a seriously big deal for us to have him on this record. We definitely would not be the band we are if Rigged never came out. —Jason Black
“Bury Us All”
We tried to get this one wrapped up during Feel The Void. It all started with the triplet guitar intro, which is an idea Wollard has had for a very, very long time. McTernan wouldn’t let it go, and he was right to keep on it. It’s great to have these warm, summer-day vibes on the record. —Jason Black
“Touch The Sun”
Wiry and frenetic, this one is a perfect penultimate track. Just as the record starts to close out and wind down, you get lit up. —Jason Black
“Much Love” (feat. The Interrupters)
This is a love letter to our fans. Thank you for 30 years, and an extra special thank you to Aimee and Kevin for taking this one over the top. We are very lucky. Truly. Much love from us to everyone who has supported us. —Jason Black
