After the “Sky So Blue” single released last month we were excited for Hot Flash Heat Wave’s EP release on February 15th. Praise Prince above we were not disappointed. Tracks are refreshingly varied and full of life, from surfy psych rock to electro pop-rock. Songs have similar feels as Animal Collective but with a touch of Smith Westerns and an Italian pop vibe. Can you picture it? Probably not but listen and discover what we’re putting down here. An EP favorite, “Floating,” starts with a chugging guitar moving with distorted spacey vibrations that gives the same feelings as the song’s title. Hot Flash Heat Wave kicked off their tour last night at The Independent and are about to glide across the states. -Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor