by Kris Handel
Let Me Do One More is the second true full length from the California based Illuminati Hotties and it has been well documented that the record that has gone through a lot to finally see the light of day. Although the past few years have been rough on many people due to a truly bizarre period of time in history, IH frontperson Sarah Tudzin has experienced trials in regard to releasing music as well as some personal life tumult over this time. Tudzin and company managed to release a "mixtape'' album that used its time to let go of some steam over the music industry issues. It was an outlet for frustration and other unwanted feelings with ferocity and vigor as well as a bit of musical freedom and exploration. On Let Me Do One More there is still some of that added muscle, but Tudzin's ear for bouncing and exuberant pop melodies is on full display and there is an obvious restoration of enthusiasm and enjoyment in the performances and songwriting.
"Pool Hopping" starts the record in buoyant fashion with Tudzin's vocals moving around simultaneously chiming and crunching guitars while Tim Kmet lays down a solid foundation on drums. Here Tudzin's lyrics throw herself into slightly hedonistic excursions of romance and enjoyment of vices in a joyous and lively punk bop with an earworm melody. "MMMOOOAAAAAYAYA" is another standout track (as well as single) on the album that has Tudzin sneering and spitting out lyrics over a jumbled and jittered mix of instrumentation of power and fury. Eventually the discord gives way to a chanted and wonderfully melodic chorus and her vocals switch from snide to sweet in the most wonderful way possible. "Threatening Each Other re: Capitalism" has Illuminati Hotties taking a softer tact that will be instantly familiar to those familiar with Kiss Yr Frenemies, but with a fuller approach as Tudzin's vocals breathily coo and sway with an undertone of slight menace and frustration.
"Protector" is a slow churning and somewhat wistful ballad that sways and flows under a keyboard and synth driven atmosphere of fluffy clouds as Tudzin's soft vocals float over the top. The haziness adds just another layer to explore and play around with as the melodies and vocal approach blends superbly with the surroundings. "The Sway" has Tudzin reflecting on the flowing nature and complications of love and relationships with a deft hand as light guitar lines sparkle and weave and the vocals majestically play with tonal color. The ability to connect and handle interpersonal difficulties and working through upsets with someone else are a bit of a theme throughout the album which is highlighted exceptionally on "The Sway".
Illuminati Hotties have proven themselves to be a musical force and this record shows a band continuing to rise and thrive with whatever comes their way. Tudzin has managed to cohesively incorporate all the tricks she has learned from engineering and production into her own music without compromising her approach and the variation leads to a record that never loses steam. The growth has been phenomenal and IH are a band that has a fanbase that will continually grow over time especially with the energy and charm that oozes from an album like this as well as live performances that really shouldn't be missed. The mix of bright energy, irresistible melodies, and pensive and relatable emotions run like a river throughout the album. It hits extremely hard and is likely to have a long long shelf life which should be welcomed.