Austin Sound

While other bands often take the time to build to an impressive climax, Austin’s own Amplified Heat cuts out the middleman, inducing a coronary upon the listener from the get-go. Within seconds of hitting play on the aptly named “Heart Attack,” the first track of their reissued self-titled debut, one thing is made very clear—if you can’t take the Heat, get out of the kitchen.

Taking standard fare blues-influenced classic rock and kicking it up so many notches that Emeril Lagasse himself would scoff, this seven track release sets the baseline from which this band’s future career should be measured. A freshman album that sounds more like a senior thesis, the EP quickly advances from the grindfest of “Heart Attack” to the more swinging and bluesy “I Don’t Care.” Jim Ortiz’ gruff vocals relate a story of (somewhat happily) lost love in general blues/rock fashion, but with an intensity that makes even the most teetotaling listener want to grab a drink to take the edge off. Gian’s colorful bass fills add complexity and subtlety to the otherwise simplistic song design, but still work to hold down the low end modestly enough. The frenetic “Bi-Polar” allows Chris’ drumwork to shine, and illustrates his impressive stamina and energy that lends much to the band’s signature style.

“Morning’s Warning,” one of two added tracks to the original setlist, gives each player a chance for some solo time, and with good reason - rather than invoke the blatant ostentation of many Classic Rock legends, both Gian and Jim seem to be able to summon up technical displays with a modest self-assurance that only comes from nights of getting paid in cheap jugs of wine and broken hearts. It is this modesty that makes the band not simply an homage to the southern blues greats, but a worthy member to their ranks.

This is not to say that Amplified Heat cannot rock. In many ways, the EP is the furthest thing from Sad Bastard blues as one can get. While John Lee Hooker may want us to spend a night alone in a bar, the guys of Heat instead promote a debaucherous boys’ night out, complete with broken glasses, blood stains, and lots - and I do mean lots - of fun.

More than anything, the Ortiz brothers remind the listener that a little booze, blues, and long hair can go a long way. After hearing the expanded and remixed version of Amplified Heat’s already impressive debut, one can be sure that it will be a reminder not soon forgotten. Rather than get out of the kitchen, this 7-song inferno makes the listener want to throw himself in the oven in hopes of ever more Heat

Websites:
www.amplifiedheat.com
Myspace