With the saccharine retro sound that Hot Flash Heat Wave has coined as their own, even the repeating line from their breakout single “Gutter Girl” (streaming below), “I don’t need nothing expect for my gutter girl,” comes off as kitschy, rather than sleazy. There’s just something completely natural about the way the four high best friends blend together fuzzy guitars with recklessly fun harmonies. At its core, their sound is good, clean garage rock, infused with 60s pop sensibilities and a production value that is through the roof. It’s no surprise that they are already gearing up to embark on their first national tour, with several Bay Area dates throughout March and a pit stop at SXSW. Currently at the forefront of the Bay Area DIY scene, they’re one of those bands that actually deserve all the hype they are getting (and then some.) Catch them in San Francisco on March 7th at The Independent, and check out their Facebook page for the rest of their tour dates. – Lilly Milman
