“Mature” and “polished”: two words that strike fear into the hearts of hardcore fans when used to describe their favorite group’s newest efforts. Granted, it’s silly to expect long-running punk bands who aren’t named the Ramones to operate ad infinitum with the same songwriting template and a recording budget less than the cost of a McChicken sandwich. But it’s also a major bummer when raw vitality is eroded by the pursuit of mainstream success. Fortunately, Gainesville’s Hot Water Music (celebrating 10 years) has discovered a way — both on the latest album, The New What Next, and in concert — to bring clarity, melody, and depth to slashing, emo-skirting riffs without sounding like sellouts.
