'Hot Leg' Play 12-Bar

A Justin Hawkins journey; from Darkness to Neon-Rock
 

Back to glam it up again: Justin Hawkins performs with his new band Hot Leg at the 12 Bar Swindon

It's a familiar story. A hugely successful hit and then eternally remembered, in Justin's case, as "that guy in a cat suit with the falsetto voice, screeching about A thing called Love".

It's another matter however, to attempt a come back with a new band, new material, and take the long hard road of tiny venues back up to 'something-dom'.

But that's what Justin Hawkin's new band Hot Leg are on the path to, and to some surprise, are doing it in style.

Playing the intimately punchy venue of Swindon's 12-Bar, Hot Leg's brash neon-pumps and sweatbands certainly match their blazing rock vocals and new sound.

Still with a resolutely 'Justin' sound Hot Leg have injected Maiden-esque riffs into a new set and perform like many an 80's rock legend, just a little camper! At first sight the glowing clothes, eye liner and unkempt locks look a little staged, but once Hot Leg start bouncing around to their new tracks (including free download Trojan Guitar), it all fits together nicely.

 

12 Bar united: Justin Hawkins with his new band Hot Leg

With a ballsy set of rock tracks, a growing fan base and a set of new gigs under their belt, this pomp-rock group seem well practiced and pretty polished.

Justin's part performer part entertainer personality also brings home the falsetto-cracking harmonies into tuneful sync. Hot Leg really seem to be bringing the head-nodding, air-guitar-waving riffs of 80's rock back to a younger generation.

Download two of their new tracks for free at: http://www.myspace.com/teamhotleg

And make up your own mind, or better still, dig out the neon sweatbands and orange pumps and go and see them for yourself.

 

Review and Photography by Kris Talikowski