ALBUM REVIEW: The Hot Damn - Dancing on the Milky Way

I’ve seen The Hot Damn several times. They present a colourful and chaotic impression, combining throwaway rock/pop songs with real emotion. For those who aren’t aware of the band, The Hot Damn comprise musicians from former bands The Amorettes and Tequila Mockingbyrd in Gill Montgomery and Josie O'Toole as well as Laurie Buchanan (Aaron Buchanan and the Cult Classics) and Lzi Hayes (New Device/Sophie Lloyd band). 

They’ve made their mark early, with several high-profile tours since their formation in 2021 as well as appearances at Steelhouse, Maid of Stone and Stonedead festivals. Recorded in Melbourne, Australia, Dancing on the Milky Way is 12 vibrant songs, many of which will be familiar to those who have seen them in the live arena. 

Now, they aren’t going to win prizes for the most complex, technical or progressive music of 2024, but that’s not to say that this isn’t an enjoyable album. There’s the colourful vibrance of Damn! Damn! Damn! Damn! a Classic Rock track of the week, with its shimmering indie edged guitars and high energy, the bursting tempo of opener Fizz Buzz Crash, and the earworm I Didn’t Like You Anyway. All these present The Hot Damn in their own inimitable manner, with that cheeky impishness that underpins their shows. It’s fun, music to bounce and singalong to, and a play through of the album was no hardship. At times it took me back to those festival appearances, or their support slot to Kris Barras only a month ago at Chepstow Castle. 

Yes, it’s all fun, light-hearted in delivery but with a swirling undercurrent that suggests that when they really let rip, these girls can really rock a bit more than they currently do. The combination of pop hooks and a guitar riff or two make Dancing on the Milky Way a sweet album for parties, background music or even an accompaniment to a long drive. Such is the structure of these songs that you can quickly pick up the overall flow and feel, and joining in on the choruses was comfortably achieved after a few plays. 

There are many influences that form the The Hot Damn sound, but they retain an individuality which makes them identifiable and stand out from the crowd. It’s really no wonder that songs like About Last Night and Loud and Clear are already live staples, for there is a catchiness that makes The Hot Damn totally listenable. And they throw in the best song at the end, with the smouldering Sticky Clubs which has by far the most impressive guitar work of the whole album.

My biggest question is whether I’d play this that many times. And I think my answer is that it’s unlikely. That’s likely down to my heavier tastes, the lighter edge here not sitting in my listening sphere. However, if you want a good time with enjoyable, well performed songs, then Dancing on The Milky Way is an album to check out. 

Dancing on the Milky Way is released on 27th September

Review and live photos by Hutch