Hot Hot Heat - Happiness Ltd.

With singer-keyboardist Steve Bays’ yelping vocals and cascading curls, Canada’s Hot Hot Heat has stood out from the synth-pop pack. Bays’ inventive wordplay and the band’s retro sound haven’t hurt its profile either. Taking more chances musically, including tribal drums on “Harmonicas and Tambourines” and orchestral strings on “Outta Heart,” the group’s latest CD is a welcome stretch. But HHH”s pogo-ing fans needn’t worry: “Let Me In” and “My Best Fiend” are tailor-made for the dancefloor.

Sept. 11