By Joshua Errett

Hot Hot Heat x New Afro – (A band called Louis) + All Ages = TWEENS!
Torontoist was busy coming up with the above formulae all last week, and thus was mathematically and chemically prepared for Saturday’s Hot Hot Heat performance at the Kool Haus. But while toiling on the equation for countless hours paid off in accuracy, Torontoist had one minor miscalculation: The F-u-t-u-r-e-h-e-a-d-s.
Supposedly the largest Canadian Triple H show ever, Torontoist was well versed in the science of hype. A few Dose articles, a great debut EP and album, an O.C. friendly fan base and Hot Hot Heat are the next pre-teen to tween sensation.
Theory aside, the actual show started with a disgraceful set from some band called Louis something. Torontoist wanted to wait around after the show to “have words” with these clowns, but cooler heads did prevail. Speaking of heads, the Futureheads were real stand outs! They were on their game for the vocal globetrotting of “Decent Days and Nights” and “Hounds of Love,” and kept songs short and tight for the duration of their opening performance. Hot Hot, conversely, pushed the limits of their set list (ie a little loooong).
With only one song from the EP (“Le Le Low”) and a sound mix that was way to loud (not volume exactly, but vocal and keyboards in the mix), Heat just weren’t as exciting. Plus Steve Bais just never shut up ever – singing and singing over every single note…But, to HHH’s credit, they strutted around like a headliners. Feline like poses and Cougar Mellencamp clap-alongs got the tweens up and dancing, and a well-placed “Bandages” kept them there. Sure the matching white jackets were a little Hives-ish, but these young concert-goers today probably don’t even remember who the Hives are.
And as for the social niceties, Hot Hot Heat covered the Futureheads in the encore! We cheered throughout.