Hotline TNT played The Sinclair – 8/28

NYC rockers Hotline TNT returned to town last week supporting their new record Raspberry Moon. 

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You might look at Hotline TNT as a band of contradictions. Oft associated with the past couple years’ nü-gaze wave, they shirk the label and play with no pedalboards at which to stare. Despite banging out a catchy strain of indie-noise-pop, bandleader Will Anderson eggs on his crowds like a hardcore frontman who’s not seeing enough action in that pit. Their vibe screams DIY and they release music via Jack White’s Third Man Records, of all places. Ultimately these intricacies work in the band’s favor, subverting expectations while embracing the straightforward power of playing very loud and very hard.

Last year’s show at the Armory was a good time, but Thursday’s at the cozier Sinclair was ultimately the better night. Anderson emerged at the start in a polo-and-sunglasses combo, coolly cracked a Celcius into the mic, and led the four-piece through a breathless, blistering set. It’s a small thing, but simply pushing a band closer together than the football-field expanse of the Armory stage adds something to the chemistry. Anderson and co. were all power-pop moves and drum riser leaps while ripping through a setlist including plenty of new songs, which rank among their best yet. The crowd got into it too. via some spirited singalongs and a good old fashioned push pit. Another fun night with one of the moment’s great guitar bands of any stripe.

Opening things up were a pair of Exploding In Sound labelmates in locals Pet Fox and Oakland’s Sour Widows. The former previewed some new servings of their tuneful indie rock from a yet-to-be-announced sophomore record, while the latter spun out dreamy, patiently brooding songs that brought balance to the bill.

Scroll below for the night’s worth of photos.