“Our sweetest songs are those of saddest thought.”
― Percy Bysshe Shelley, who was cremated on a beach

“Secret Beach,” by Hot Tang, is a fun song sung by someone who isn’t having any fun. This person is crying, hates everyone, even hates the sun. The secret beach on which she takes refuge is probably her bedroom since she, you know, hates the sun. Or maybe it’s that Starbucks in the bad location that’s always empty.

This may be Underwear Music: music a guy writes and records after a breakup, while sitting on his bed in his underwear. I thought Underwear Music was strictly a Guy Thing, but there’s no reason that all other genders can’t join in the misery. In this case, though, I’m not sure the singer was ever in a relationship, unless it was with her health care professional. She’s got a good voice, though, so she could probably land someone on Karaoke Night.

“Secret Beach” kicks off the way rock songs are supposed to start: with 16-beats-worth of a catchy guitar riff. Then the band chimes in, with the organ providing a perfect, melodic fill between the voice and the rhythm section. I especially like the call-and-response vocal. “Secret Beach” is a great song, but you won’t be asking the wandering violinist in the fancy restaurant to play it for your Significant Other on your anniversary. Unless you’re a psycho.

“Secret Beach” is the first single from Hot Tang’s new 10-track album, Mostly Mallards, set for release May 25. Hot Tang, based in Iowa City (that’s in Iowa), is Megan Buick (bass and vocals), Anna Kahn (keyboards, organ, backing vocals), Alex Manuel (guitar), and Gabe Sperry (drums). They describe their music as poolhaus. I guess I need to get out more, because I don’t know what that is, but it sounds like fun.

You can support deserving independent musicians like Hot Tang by visiting their Bandcamp page, listening to their music, and downloading your favorite tracks. Act now and you can pre-order Mostly Mallards for the unbelievably low price of only five dollars! And be sure to follow Hot Tang on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.