By Kendall Larade
Photos by Tilly Sandmeyer
As the lights dimmed, the ethereal introduction to “Location” by Playboi Carti could be heard over the crowd’s eager chatter. Hotline TNT entered the stage in full slacker rock style. Drummer Mike Ralston was sporting a Thrasher skateboarding magazine tee, while singer and guitarist Will Anderson wore a clown-print biker durag and army fatigues. Before launching into “Protocol”—a hit from their breakout album Cartwheel—Will muttered over the mic, “ladies and gentlemen, this is going to be awesome.”
Indeed, it was. Will Anderson is on record as believing three guitars are the minimum. Still, despite missing their newest member, guitarist Matt Berry, the band was able to achieve their distinct, thick shoegaze sound. Most of the time Anderson, Berry, and Lucky Hunter are playing the exact same chords and riffs but it sounds “way thicker and heavier that way.” In person, their swirling slurry of guitar tones filled the intimate room at Union Stage with fuzz. Interestingly, Will prefers to strum his Yamaha SG-3 with his fingers—an unconventional technique for guitar-driven rock. In line with this odd approach, Hotline TNT relies on minimal pedals and effects to craft their densely layered noise pop.
Aside from their engrossing sound, Hotline TNT’s stage presence is undeniable. Will charmed the crowd with goofy quips and theatrical guitar moves. At one point he tried—and failed—to convince bassist Haylen Trammel to roll across his back—perhaps in a moment of Warped-Tour-fueled nostalgia. The band played a few more songs from Cartwheel, most notably “I Thought You’d Change,” which incited what Hotline TNT called the tour’s first circle pit.
The energy was likewise high for both openers. A pit opened for the last song of Wisconsin-bred tongue-in-cheek indie rock band Disq’s set. The group dawned ironic fashion and Hotline TNT tour merch, mirroring the style of their successors. Their mix of psychedelic and power pop influences created the ideal atmosphere for Hotline TNT’s headlining performance. Conversely, Euphoria Again’s nonchalant twang rock presented a tasteful foil to the noise rock racket of Disq and Hotline TNT. The band resembled a collective of mawkish farm boys, with suede boots stomping on guitar pedals. In true shoegaze fashion, Euphoria Again interspaced each tune with ambient drones supplied by synth and guitar feedback. Their music balanced rich guitar layers with melodic, almost dreamy undertones, evoking a sense of emotional introspection with a hint of optimism.
More than Hotline TNT’s sound, Will Anderson’s attitude and slacker finesse were the highlight of the show. Unaffected, his mediocre vocals helped to center the band’s heartbroken jams, making the big emotions of their music feel that much more relatable. Off stage, Anderson was very personable, exchanging names and polite conversation with anyone who approached the merch table. In fact, WRGW superfans may catch a spot from them on the air. But Hotline TNT is not your average shoegaze band—they care less about their gear and more about inviting people to share in a feeling.
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