The Red Hot Valentines are a prime example of the much sought after 'summer albums' that we all usually search after and use for the soundtracks to the sunnier months of our year and with the aptly titled "Summer Fling"; this Polyvinyl Records outfit showcases everything that's perfect for noontime cruising and beach house schmoozing.
With songs like "This Heart of Mine" which opens with pulsating synths not too different from that of Victory's The Reunion Show, The Red Hot Valentines showcase fun and upbeat music that's light on subject matter and bountiful in raw energy. The guitars are crisp and slightly fuzzed out without being too heavy while the drums maintain a minimalistic but effective beat. "Fair Warning" opens with a simple guitar riff before the full band kicks in and David Gerkin's sincerely calm voice breaks into the mix while the synths build so high that they're about to topple in the ultra catchy chorus.
"Christine" hold all the potency of power pop ecstasy with keyboards that are reminiscent of The Colemans while turning Rivers Cuomo green with envy wishing that his band could sing about lighter things than Hashpipes and Holidays. "All You Get" is simply explosive and bubbling with pure energy while the synths take a backseat to the greater picture of melody that seems to wrap itself around the song's frame until leading to the climax of the singalong chorus.
"One Last Kiss" closes the record amidst a sea of jaded lyrics and delicate synths before the chorus proceeds to rip any notions of peacefulness apart. The feedback almost plays the role of a precursor to the synths as they shimmer and loop throughout the rest of the music like a motorcycle on a highway late for work. They're frantic while remaining in their place - the synth doesn't overpower, yet it doesn't play a minor role either.
The Red Hot Valentines certainly found the time ripe to produce an album like "Summer Fling", what with the current crop of keyboard driven post punk and pop punk bands dominating the airwaves. But the key difference is that they actually have fun without sounding sterile and the party seems to do nothing but shine through without apology.
B+
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