For anyone saddened by the realization that Drive Like Jehu would have to be remembered by two records and a handful of singles, the news of Hot Snakes surely inspired a surprised smile. As the story of Hot Snakes goes, Jehu wunderkind John Reis took a break from his duties as Rocket from the Crypt"s frontman and started to pen some songs for fun. As they lacked a certain "oomph," Reis sent a tape of his noodlings to former Drive Like Jehu vocalist Rick Froberg. Legend has it that Froberg flew to San Diego and jumped right into the studio to fill his vocal duty. The first few songs of Automatic Midnight confirm the suspicions: we have what appears to be a Drive Like Jehu record in disguise as Hot Snakes. The rollicking opener, "If Credit"s What Matters I"ll Take Credit," is an exercise in musical reminiscence. Froberg"s scream over intense guitar and smart rhythm resembles even the best vintage Jehu. Not all of Automatic Midnight is an indulgence in the past, though. Fast-forward to "Salton City," the first peek at the unique sound of Hot Snakes. Hypnotic drums fill the first minute, leading to discernable, smart lyrics accented by Velvet Underground-inspired guitars. "Our Work Fills the Pews" is one of the catchier songs to grace an indie record in some time: a slow tempo underscores an "Uh-huh-huh" chorus that will get even the stodgiest aging indie rockers to bob their heads dutifully. --Kerry Murphy