• The Hot Toddies (EP Review): Bottoms Up to Tricycle Records’ Newest Release

    Shauna C. Keddy Posted On February 6, 2013
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    This week has us cheering Bottoms Up, to Oakland, California based four-piece The Hot Toddies. Bottoms Up is the third release from this all girls rock band: Heidi, Erin, Jessica and Sylvia. Since 2005 they have toured the U.S. and Canada for their first two albums “Smell the Mitten” and “Get Your Heart On” (both on Asian Man Records).  

    The Hot Toddies, an all-girl band from Oakland, CA mix sunny beach pop, indie rock riffs, a bottle of whiskey and a dry sense of humor. Heidi, Erin, Jessica and Sylvia are best friends who have been playing music, drinking  whiskey and writing songs together since 2005. They’ve toured across the US, Canada and the UK in support of their 2 albums “Smell the Mitten” and “Get Your Heart On” out on Asian Man Records. Their latest EP will be available through the Tricycle Records catalog in Jan. of 2013. This five song EP features all the sweet attributes you’d hope for from a playful rock band. As you can see from the titles of their first two albums, although these women take music seriously, they are having fun with it. Personally I connect the most with music when the lyrics are showcased–easy to hear, enjoyable to sing along with, and of course memorable. When you’re a young girl pretending you are in a rock and roll band with your best friends, hanging out in a tree house or being pushed on a swing, this is exactly the kind of music I pictured making as a grown up, “cool” musician. Songs such as “Jaguar” give the singers a chance to go wild with packed lyrics and breezy summer day harmonies.

    The EP displays their talents well with it’s varied song style- “That Ain’t Right” finds the girls beginning a slower, more mopey ballad form, before launching into a hair shaking, screaming riot of an ending. Although the retro look and sound are all the rage these days, the Hot Toddies are not just one more group adding to the white noise.

    Heidi – bass, vocals
    Erin – guitar, vocals
    Sylvia – drums
    Jessica – keyboard




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