I’m sure I’ve had this phrase “citrus emo” explained to me prior, but right now, as I listen to the brand new Hotbrother’s EP “Year of the Dog”, the semantics escape me. What I do know though, is that this record fucking rocks. 

Hotbrothers don’t take themselves too seriously, and really how could they, its emo music about smoking weed. A pitch as old as time, and a story many of us have probably heard before. What is different however, is how long these Hot Brothers have been doing “it” for, and killing. A four piece act with enough veterancy they could probably write their own emo memoir. These brothers are committed to the scene, AND to the bit, in that order. Divine.

'Hotbrothers' is Austin, Luis, Dillon and Julie, four talented musicians with a stage presence to match their lyrical and sonic ethos. Founding members Austin and Luis met in an improv class as teenagers, picking up Dillon and Julie as they went. I think that information is probably clear to anyone who’s gone out of their way to see them play live. Their energy is infectious, and they always look like they’re having a good time (a trait that I think is maybe lost on some of our other local acts!!!)

I’ve been following SoCal’s most attractive brothers for as long as I’ve been going to music shows. Seeing HB shred the smell with their same signature sound, myself barely 17. These guys have just always had it. True heroes of the scene. Makes you stand up straighter; show some respect. 

Now with “Year Of The Dog”, these hot-brothers are doing much the same, but different in the best way.

The music put forward in this newest record is sincere and genuine, folding in their memorable stage presence into recordings that feel timeless like all the best emo music is. The ideas here feel fresh, their riffs tangy, and their lyrics sweet, like an orange, or uh, a pomelo or something. 

See Hotbrothers perform their EP release show at Non Plus Ultra on February 26th. Or see them at Mouse Magazine’s second shareholder meeting on March 21st. Don’t skip!