'80s alternative rock has gone down in the history of music as one of the most fertile and influential musical movements ever - as judged by the amount of notable bands that would subsequently "follow the leaders." And one of the leading lights of the movement was unquestionably H�sker D�. After the group's split, drummer Grant Hart moved out front with guitar in hand, and also handled lead vocals on his solo releases. But Hart has spent the last few years working on Hot Wax.

Joining Hart on the disc is a diverse cast of musicians from Godspeed You Black Emperor, Silver Mt. Zion, and Rank Strangers with the tracks being recorded in both Montreal and Minneapolis. Hart explains: "The song 'Narcissus, Narcissus' is my first attempt at combining ancient Greek mythology and American rock-a-billy. By merging those influences with an ice cream truck atmosphere I think I have found a style that defines this period of my career. 'You're the Reflection of the Moon on the Water' is one of the most organic rock and roll songs that I have ever written. It's style owes a lot to my devotion for Patti Smith. It was inspired by a comment made by a monk during the selection process to find the next Panchen Lhama, who said of one candidate, 'He is the reflection of the moon on the water but he is not the moon'."

Hot Wax As a member of H�sker D� (which also included singer/guitarist Bod Mould and mustachioed bassist Greg Norton), Hart played on such all-time alt-rock classics as 1984's Zen Arcade and 1985's New Day Rising, while constantly criss-crossing the U.S. with legendary explosive live shows. Since H�sker D�'s split in 1987, Hart has sporadically issued solo releases, and was also spotted as a member of the group Nova Mob. He has found a place and function in visual and dramatic art forms as well. Hot Wax will be Grant's sixth solo release overall.