By Ibn-Umar Abbasparker of Indie Band Guru
In the Internet era, news travels fast. Events and trends can become instantly famous in a matter of mere moments.
The same can be said about indie pop band Hot Rumour. Despite having formed just formed four months ago in December 2015, the LA group has gained tremendous popularity and a sizable following of fans throughout the city.
Consisting of brothers Aaron and Josh Ficchi with producer Frankie Siragusa, the trio are ready to arrive on the music scene, officially, with their recently released debut EP MMVXI. With its unveiling, Hot Rumour seeks to spread their honed, definitive sound all across the world.
Hot Rumour Debut with Strong EP
The EP’s opening track “Call ‘Em Out” is loaded with energy. It begins with loud, boisterous piano chords. Then, it’s overtaken by a flourish of synth sounds, drumbeats, cymbal crashes, pulsing bass lines, and guitar riffs entering at full force. The synths, drums, and bass lines coalesce to form a synchronous, throbbing rhythm.
Meanwhile, the lofty, lively guitar riffs carry the song forward and supply it with a robust vitality. Its prominent attribute is Aaron Ficchi’s operatic vocals. They add a dramatic tone with a style resemblant to Muse’s Matt Bellamy and precisely complement the song’s other elements. After all the excitement, the song concludes with a nice fade-out.
In contrast to the rock-style opener, “Run to Me” is a pop-style ballad. Its starts with a rhythm composed of ebullient piano melodies and plangent drumbeats. Then, it becomes filled with synth riffs and varying electronic sounds.
Ficchi’s vocals here possess a wistful quality. Yet, they poignantly express the lyrics along with harmonizing backup vocals from his brother Josh. Lines such as “Every time you’re waking up / Next to someone else, you drive yourself alone” augment the light-hearted mood of the track.
“All Going to Hell” opens with warbling synth sounds. It quickly develops sonic layers with the addition of drums and acoustic guitar lines. Then, after 1:18, bass riffs appear and form a steady, cohesive rhythm with the drums.
At the same time, melancholy electric guitar riffs permeate the mix. They are most apparent during the short guitar solo between 2:47 and 3:10. Overall, these aspects give the song a pensive tone similar to Radiohead in the ‘90s.
Lastly, there’s “Alien,” a pop song with brooding undertones. Spacey, harmonious synthesizer sounds are the first to emerge. Joining them are paced, pounding drumbeat and reverberating organ melodies. While they continue, Aaron Ficchi delivers soulful and uplifting vocals. After 1:12, the drumbeats and cymbal crashes become more vigorous.
Contrasting with them are the sobering guitar riffs that appear after 1:30. The drumbeats undergo another shift to being tempered and moderate. At 2:45, the Ficchi brothers dish out a series of bellowing vocal howls in unison followed by increasingly cacophonous organ chords. The song finishes with a strong, echoing fade-out.
With their debut EP MMXVI, Hot Rumour announce themselves to potential listeners, current fans, and critics all at once. The developing collective displays their already matured blend of indie rock and pop on the first of hopefully many releases.
