Lots of bands try to do exactly what Hot Robots already do extremely well — that is, write solid, hooky, intelligent pop music. On stage, the group may look like an average bar band, with good equipment but perhaps weighed down by pedestrian musical inclinations. As it turns out, though, the Robots aren't lacking anything when it comes to writing or execution. Remember in Valley Girl, when Randy (Nicolas Cage) goes to see the Plimsouls and rocks out to an actual band, one that has soul and verve instead of one of those tepid, movie-only creations? Hot Robots (due at the hi-dive on Wednesday, November 5) are like that, in that it's easy to get excited about them and there's no acting involved.