Hot Freaks and Thesaurus Rex

It was in these simpler times when Minneapolis quintet Hot Freaks released their first, and (for now) last LP.

Their debut record, the self-titled “Hot Freaks” collects 10 tight tracks of winsome yet up-beat indie-pop produced with a glossy, highly danceable discosheen that counteracts a yearning lyrical melancholia– reminiscent of famous over-sharers of Montreal and sensitive symbolists Voxtrot, with a touch of MGMT’s unbridled charisma. For whatever reason, while Hot Freaks’ brand of toe-tapping vulnerability was electric on the lively Minneapolis scene, the band never made it far beyond the borders of Minnesota, playing countless homefield shows but only one or two in the greater midwest area. Comprised of old friends whose relationships are interwoven like the roots of an old growth tree, (some members have been playing together for over 15 years and drummer Cody

Brown even dated bassist Sarah Darnall’s sister in highschool) Hot Freaks were born of a tight knit community, and would seem destined to remain hidden gems in the local scene. Or would they?

By 2015 Hot Freaks split amicably, frontman Leo Vondracek moved to LA and guitarist Darin Dahlmeier relocated to New York. While members went on to pursue other interests, the Freaks remained friends as social media made it easier, and then even easier to stay in touch. And just as nothing is ever really lost online, slowly but surely fans and followers found their way to the Freak’s first record in ever growing numbers.

“I had noticed our Spotify numbers going up over the years,” muses Leo, “and during the bleak days of quarantine I think we all looked back with a fond nostalgia for the old days when we would light up the local bars.” When the idea for a few reunion shows was floated keyboardist Celeste Heule didn’t need to think about it, “Hell yeah I wanna get back together with the Freaks! Those guys are the best!” And as luck would have it, just as these five best friends were dusting off the old gear, slipping back into the band like a favorite pair of dancing shoes discovered buried in the closet, eight-year-old lead single PUPPY PRINCESS went viral like wildfire on TikTok.

Suddenly Hot Freaks had found their audience! By the droves, new, young fans are connecting with the single’s earnest hopefulness as Leo’s lyrics admit “You know me as your boyfriend’s goofy friend/ I seem to have this effect on women” and then turn in the chorus to a full-hearted plea to “kiss me, kiss me with your eyes closed...tell me I’m not funny, tell me I’m legit.” Suddenly, in the ‘what really matters?’ of a global pandemic, a generation jaded with being jaded found their voice in the sweet sincerity of the Hot Freaks, just in time for their reunion.