* En anglais uniquement
Newbury Park, CA's
Hotwire included guitarist/vocalist Rus Martin, guitarist
Gabe Garcia, bassist
Dan Hartman, and drummer
Brian Borg. The four came together after playing in various metal, punk, and hardcore combos throughout high school. As
Hotwire, the sound became riff-heavy metal with vocals and dynamics influenced by post-hardcore types like
Refused and Quicksand. The band recorded a few demos, and began playing shows throughout the suburban sprawl of Southern California alongside bands like Incubus,
Linkin Park,
Hoobastank, and
Audiovent; all of which would find fame on major labels looking for the next loud thing. Soon,
Hotwire got its chance, as well, and signed with RCA in December 2000. After working with a variety of big-name producers, the band issued a promotional four-song EP in late 2002. The set generated buzz for
Hotwire's debut full-length
Routine, which dropped in June 2003. Its release was timed to coincide with the band's appearances on that summer's Ozzfest. ~ Johnny Loftus