Hot Boxing is the first proper release for the four-piece band
Magnapop. Hailing from Atlanta, the band had previously had an independent release. Led by the singing of Linda Hopper, who co-writes the group's material with guitarist Ruthie Morris,
Magnapop delivers driving, full-throttle hard-pop, ear candy. Hopper's vocals fall somewhere between
Joan Jett and
Liz Phair (check out "Texas"). Alt-rock hero
Bob Mould produced
Hot Boxing and he wisely leaves the songs polished without leaving them slick. The pummeling drumbeats, crunchy guitar riffs, and singalong vocals make for an infectious mix. Nothing on the album is indispensable listening, but tracks like "Slowly Slowly," "Lay It Down," "Free Mud," and "Get It Right" make for an enjoyable and extremely catchy record. ~ Tom Demalon