Mickey Squeeze

Release Date

May 6, 2022

Universal Music AB

Tracklisting

1.”Reverie” -> Background Music

2. “Avalanche” -> Recommended

3. “Vertigo” -> Recommended

4. “Predictable” > Favorite Track

5. “Gemini” > Favorite Track

6. “Diving For Pearls” -> Recommended

7. “Heavy Load” – > Recommended

8. “Athena” -> Favorite Track

9. “Mind Games” -> Skip

10. “Leander” -> Background Music

Total Recommended / Favorite Tracks – 7 / 10

Total Background Tracks – 2 / 10

Total Skip Tracks – 1/ 10

Who is Sahara Hotnights, Love In Times Of Low Expectations for?

Sahara Hotnight’s, Love In Times Of Low Expectations, is for fans of mellow 80’s pop. The music that instantly pops into my head when I listen is Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time”, Talk Talk “It’s My Life”, Wham! “Last Christmas”, Goldfrapp “Rocket” and all the other music that’s 80’s tastic.

The Sahara Hotnights took ten years off and came back with an album that has some classic hotnights tones but for the most part is out of left field. Most people, I think, will either love it or hate it.

Members

Vocals – Maria Andersson

Guitars – Maria Andersson / Jennie Asplund

Bass – Joanna Asplund

Drums – Josephine Forsman

Why are the Sahara Hotnights Unique?

The Sahara Hotnights to this day actually have all original members since originating in 1991.

The Sahara Hotnights blew up in the late 90’s when there was this garage rock, rock n roll resurgence. The Swedish band, The Hives, exploded on Mtv along with The Donnas, Buckcherry & Monster Magnet. Soon to follow would be The Vines, The Strokes, Franz Ferdinand and many more.

Sahara Hotnights front woman, Maria Andersson, & The Hives frontman, Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist, also could not resist each other’s charisma and were romantically involved for a time until moving their separate ways sometime 2006.

The Sahara Hotnights became part of my record collection with the 1999 major label debut of C’mon Lets Pretend. The late 90’s was a weird period for rock and this one of those bands that filled a void.

I can honestly say after the C’mon Lets Pretend album there were a few tracks on each album I dug but not an album as a whole. Although after listening to Love In Times Of Low Expectations I rediscovered the album What If Leaving Is A Loving Thing released in 2007.

What If Leaving Is A Loving Thing featured “Cheek to Cheek” & “Visit to Vienna”. What If Leaving Is A Loving Thing and Love In Times Of Low Expectations pair really well together and I think showcases the Sahara Hotnight’s best songwriting.

Where Were the Sahara Hotnights for 10 Years?

There isn’t much information out there, but this is what I got.

Courtesy of Newsbeezer.com:

Singer and guitarist Maria Andersson Lundell has released a solo album and was assistant to Plura from Eldkvarn on the TV show Plura’s Kitchen. Bassist Johanna Asplund toured with Love Antell and became a project manager on television. Guitarist Jennie Asplund bought a farm in Skåne and started a furniture company. Drummer Josephine Forsman played with the band Casablanca and did music shows for Utbildningsradion before moving to Los Angeles where she works with LOUD, an international music school for young people.

Pro tip: Even if 10 years goes by with your bandmates, it’s never over until you all say it’s over. Keep in touch keep doors open this could be the year for new music.

Love In Times Of Low Expectations – Review

On first listen of debut single “Reverie” and the corresponding photo shoot I had very low expectations. I like many wanted to hear some distorted guitars and the see the band in leather jackets. Instead I got no guitars just mellow keyboards and oversized 80’s/90’s mom sitcom attire.

I assumed the Sahara Hotnights jumped the shark with this new crop of music until I heard the second single, “Gemini”. I have no idea why this was not the first single, but I guess it doesn’t matter since the rest of album sounds like alternate versions of these two songs.

Love In Times Of Low Expectations chose a tone & vibe and went whole hog. If you need a mellow album that sounds like Cyndi Lauper or something similar while your vibing out late at night then this is your album.

I was actually really surprised how many times I played this album skipping really only one track consistently, “Mind Games”. Hands down “Gemini”, “Predictable” & “Athena” carry this album. These three tracks are the “best of” what Love In Low Times Of Expectations offers. Other tracks like “Avalanche” & “Vertigo” have great hooks in them but do not come close as a whole to the three I just mentioned.

I have read reviews of this album where the consensus seems to be good but unsatisfied. What I really like about this record is that the Sahara Hotnights showcase great songwriting, attention to vocal melodies & music hooks.

The biggest negative I would have to say is the zero tempo change. The album sounds like one long song in the same key at the same slow tempo, even a slight key change in one of the choruses would add some nice color. When the banjo dropped on “Predictable” I was like fuck yeah, it elevated the hell out of the song without changing tempo.

I love the 80’s pop sound and the Sahara Hotnights paid serious homage to it. I also love thrash metal, Ryan Adams and the UK Subs. Honestly I am weirdly addicted to Love In Times Of Low Expectations, but definitely not the look.

Sahara Hotnights Music Videos

Tour

Sahara Hotnights Tour Dates

Let’s Talk Amigos!

Please hit us personally here at Vanzig Studios for any reason whatsoever using the Contact Form. If you’re curious where Carly and I come from then read over our bio.

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