Hot Freaks

Once nearly lost to time, Minneapolis five-piece Hot Freaks resurfaced nearly a decade after disbanding when their ten-year-old single Puppy Princess went viral on TikTok. What was once an obscure gem exploded into a bona fide hit. At the time, the Freaks—frontman Leo Vondracek, guitarist Darin Dahlmeier, bassist Sarah Darnall, drummer Cody Brown, and keyboardist Celeste Heule—were already considering a reunion. But a surge of new fans led to a full-fledged tour with fellow indie-pop risers The Rare Occasions. Like riding a bike, the Freaks slipped back into rhythm. They’re now prepping a tour with The Happy Fits, bringing a mix of rediscovered 2013-era tracks and brand-new material. Their sophomore album, HOT FREAKS FOREVER—ironically named for a band that once split—feels like a triumphant return. Blending unreleased early songs with fresh compositions, its 10 tracks deliver their signature glossy, danceable pop with shades of MGMT, Of Montreal, The Carpenters, and Mitski. HOT FREAKS FOREVER is polished, infectious, and full of charm—perfect for dance parties, road trips, or dreamy nostalgia.