Album Review: The Hydrothermal Vents – Secrets of the Deep

By Joseph Timmons: Xombiewoof Magazine

Available on Bandcamp https://thehydrothermalvents.bandcamp.com

Formats: Vinyl, CD, Tape and Download

Quirky but not “Campish”, The Hydrothermal Vents is a Duo with a style and talent that is quite refreshing. With a sound similar to a mix of B-52’s, Talking Heads and Laurie Anderson, they have an underwater theme to their music on Secrets of the Deep that does not “get old” but is a toe tapping delight. I definitely loved this albums ability to simply bring a smile to my face while writing, but I did suddenly have a desire for seafood…. The vocals are crisp and clear against well written music Secrets of the Deep and I am 100% sure this is a sign of good things to come. Admittedly, I wish I got a Vinyl copy for review; the sounds are ambient and trail off like wisps of breath, on vinyl it is sure to be thrilling.

Hailing from Canada, The Hydrothermal Vents state that they are dance-rock/post punk band members John Tielli and Tessa Kautzman do a fabulous job channeling both the calm stillness of the ocean, yet at time the turbulence of a stormy sea. Multi-talented and well situated to take the alt / indie world by being truly unique among experimental and contemporary at the same time.

To quote a statement from their Facebook page “The charismatic Montreal duo known as The Hydrothermal Vents, boil with a chemistry that pulls listeners deep into their imaginative world. They were drawn together by a desire to create the ultimate dance music and by a mutual love of the Pixies, an influence which, along with other post-punk bands such as the Talking Heads and the B52’s, helped shape their sound. With an experimental spirit and dreamy lyrics, The Hydrothermal Vents have created an otherworldly aural habitat, which according the POP Montreal music festival, “feels retro and original all in the same track.” With this statement, I completely agree.

Check them out on their Bandcamp page, as well as the following locations:

SOUNDCLOUD: http://www.soundcloud.com/thehydrothermalvents

TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/HydroVents

BANDCAMP: www.thehydrothermalvents.bandcamp.com

And if ever in Montreal, Quebec, find them and get to the show, they are rich, vibrant and dynamic, definitely one for the collection.