Hot Tang, with Maiden Mars and Oudenhoven
Yacht Club — Saturday, Apr. 23 at 7 p.m.
Summer comes early this year, with an all-ages record release party from Hot Tang, self-described as “Iowa City’s only poolhaus band.” They will release a vinyl 7” this weekend and celebrate with a show at the Yacht Club on Saturday night.
Fronted by sprightly vocalist/bassist Megan Buick, Hot Tang has a fun, low-key backyard party vibe. So it’s fitting that the label releasing the one-sided lathe-cut single, All Summer No Bummer, is called Moldy Pizza Records and Tapes, a recent DIY Iowa City-based undertaking. The Hot Tang record is the first release in their catalog.
Hot Tang is an easy band to like, with fun lyrics and poppy, cool songs that resist being sugary or pretentious. Two songs, “Pet Gecko” and “Anna,” will be released on the transparent 7-inch which fans can pre-order before the show through the label, and will be available for sale at the release party. The band and label also promise other treats like stickers and patches to go along with the record.
The band includes Alex Manuel on guitar, Anna Kahn on keyboard and James Oudenhoven on keys. The band recently transitioned drummers; original drummer Sanna Miller relocated and has been replaced with Peter Kokontis.
Joining Hot Tang will be Maiden Mars, the hard rocking and harmonious trio of Iowa City ladies, and Oudenhoven, touted as “Iowa City’s premiere krautrock explosion.” Doors at 7 p.m., $5 cover.
