Audio By Carbonatix
Hot Snakes’ Audit in Progress, the third and best LP issued by these lively rock lifers from Rocket from the Crypt and Drive Like Jehu, is possibly this year’s most beautifully coasting, satisfying rock effort to date. John Reis’ vocals come straight from the deep, as if he might upchuck a heart that has superseded all of the muscular barriers of living with an independent mind of its own. New drummer Mario Rubalcaba instigates “Retrofit,” and the hairy, Black Flag discipline of “Think About Carbs.” And the Snakes’ musicianship is laced tight, purposefully swerving all over the album’s clear horizon. This is how rock should be done. — Hunter Stephenson