Location: Toronto, Ontario
Country: Canada
Genre: Punk, glam rock
Single/video: We’re Hot Apollo
Format: Streaming
Label: SelfMadeRecords
Release date: August 1, 2025
Canada’s Hot Apollo, who have been around since at least 2014, is touted as embodying a wide range of classic punk rock, drawing inspiration from Iggy Pop and the Stooges, Talking Heads, B-52s, and The Cure.
Given my appreciation for all these bands for various reasons, I’m interested in how Hot Apollo interprets these perspectives of the genre. Does their incorporation of different punk eras from the late 1960s to the mid-1980s enable them to forge a unique sound that stands on its own and speaks for itself?
This video, my initial introduction to them, demonstrates they’re significantly reliant on neon glare and the androgynous proto-punk/glam that was prominent in the early 70s. The atmosphere of the song, its production and the manner in which the band portrays themselves in the video, conveys the notion they’re having a significant amount of fun while seeking recognition aboveground.
At least to me, this represents an alternative to pop punk, particularly when it becomes overly formulaic and caters to expectation. The chorus possesses an ability to remain memorable, characterized by its lively, upbeat nature, allowing it to be distinguished from the usual content of college radio. I think this will particularly resonate with individuals who appreciate the music of Bowie, Sweet, Mott the Hoople, and possibly Alice Cooper.
The musicianship is layered, intricate and engaging; however, my sole criticism is in some areas it sounds somewhat overly polished. Still, there is potential here and the band plans to release their next album at the end of the year. –Dave Wolff
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