Hot Lunch - Seconds (2019)

It’s been six years since San Francisco proto-metallers/punks Hot Lunch released their awesome, self-titled debut. While it may have taken them a while to get this new one out, they definitely make it worth the wait with another ripping dose of their heavy, psychedelic proto metal. In fact, they have grown since the release of that first one, as this one adds a dash of prog to their already-potent formula.

This one only has six songs, but the songs are longer; most hover around the seven-to-eight minute mark, filled with exciting twists and turns that will keep you hooked. Before you think they’ve gone all noodly and mellow, the songs still kick out the jams like their previous album, but this time, they are bit more dynamic, showcasing a wider range of influences. These changes add to their sound and keep them ahead of the pack when it comes to other modern bands that play in this genre. They’re not just rehashing old tropes; they’re adding new wrinkles to this classic sound.