Hot IQs

Former college radio DJs decide to pick up instruments for the first time to create the same music they so passionately support (inspiration comes from bands like Archers of Loaf, Pixies, the Kinks, Beat Happening). What results is a sound that is witty, self-reflexive, playful - yet also filled with raw tension. It is a sound that connects to the kids dancing in the front row and the crossed-arm-hipsters right behind them - who can’t help but tap their feet and nod their head. Lead singer Eli Mishkin’s haunting voice croons like twice-removed English royalty, only not pretentious. More like it’s straight out of some indie rock Julliard (an impressive feat as he has no training, formal or otherwise). His guitar is thick and fuzzy and commanding, a sword of authoritative swagger that turns you into a head-nodding mess. Elaine Acosta’s drums snap and ting. Sometimes they flare, but most of the time they subtly keep the bottom at that…perfect…gait. She blows bubbles (gum) while playing...