So Cool They’re Hot

Sweden is the home of one of the only note-worthy girl bands the 00’s have to offer thus far. Along the same lines as (but a wee bit poppier than) bands like The Donnas and Seven Year Bitch, Sahara Hotnights rocks out with a fury only pissed-off girls in their early twenties can put forth. From their breakthrough first album C’mon Let’s Pretend, to their energetic sophomore effort Jennie Bomb, to their more refined third album Kiss and Tell, Sahara Hotnights have proven themselves to be a band to watch.Kiss and Tell is loud, raucous, fun-loving and chock full of lip-glossed glory. The girls are cute and full of energy, wailing catchy rock anthems like the first track “Who Do You Dance For?” The lyrical content isn’t as profound as that of Bikini Kill, a more politically outspoken girl band, but that doesn’t seem to be the point of Sahara’s music. This is an album written for the sheer joy of writing. The girls’ style of music is comprised of rock and punk influences, the vocals somewhere between speaking and singing in traditional Riot Grrl format. From the bubblegum punk vocals of “Nerves” to the Indie rock guitar effects of “Stay/Stay Away” to the glam rock clothing and the flyer-style album covers, Sahara Hotnights is the epitome of “cool”; “cool” like a hot girl from art school.

The best part is that they aren’t just another manufactured band. These ladies grew up together, starting the rockin’ chick band when they were merely giggly preteen girls. Sahara Hotnights are the cool girls of rock; so cool they’re hot.