Album Review: Hot Water Music - Exister

There are few bands who have the deserved credibility of Hot Water Music. After close to 20 years in the business of making inspirational punk rock, HWM are back after an eight-year absence with their eighth album, Exister. And what can you expect from a band who amicably went on hiatus for frontman Chuck Ragan to explore his folk side? HWM play balls-out punk rock; they are mightily pissed off and are back to ensure they are not forgotten. HWM's return could not have come at a more fortuitous time, as 'no frills' punk rock bands are on the war path, courtesy of acts such as Polar Bear Club, The Flatliners and Make Do & Mend. These bands are returning punk rock from the candy pop of the late '90s to its rightful, gut-wrenching glory.

Exister's 13 tracks are driven predominately by Ragan's throat-tearing vocal delivery – not to be confused with screamo, as there is a clearly-defined melody. Musically HWM walk the line between AC/DC-inspired rock'n'roll and Sex Pistols-ish punk rock, as heard on opening track Mainline, and Safety. The band take a different approach on the shuffling back-beat malevolence of Drag My Body, while the title track sums up the attitude and pace of the entire album: fast and anthemic.

Exister is Hot Water Music's glorious return to the punk stage, and with the world's ear collectively tilted to music that is genuine, real and worthy of accolade, what better band to step forward and present punk rock to the next generation?