Customer Reviews

Hotel Lights

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Take one part singer sounding like front-man Fran Healy of Travis, and add to that one part singer sounding like Matthew Caws of Nada Surf. Mix in soft acoustic guitar, at times-Weezer like keyboards, and melodic moody Ben Folds familiar sounding piano, and you now have the recipe for Hotel Lights. Speaking of Ben Folds, how this guy Darren Jessee was hiding behind Ben Folds Five on drums is like wondering about Dave Grohl's misplaced song writing talent behind Kurt Cobain of Nirvana. At some point in their careers, both Grohl and Jessee needed to be front and center leading their own bands. Here's the goods on Hotel Lights, they are well equipped with talent! The song writing is difficult to imagine anyone writing in 2 weeks, and upon listening to the album endlessly, as I have, you might wonder if there is any truth to that rumor. If it is true, then my guess is, you are going to be hearing a lot of this band in the future. Here's some good advise...listen to this album more than once, it will capture a place in your head and heart. It did mine.

I first encountered "A.M. Slow Golden Hit" on a college radio station and quickly fell in love. This album is filled not only with beautiful sounds, but also genuinely remarkable lyrics. Songs that stand out aside from "A.M. Slow Golden Hit" include "I Am A Train", "Follow Through", "Marvelous Truth", "Miles Behind Me", "Love to Try", "You Come and I Go" and "Motionless". This album is perfect for listening to with eyes closed. Try it. Hotel Lights has the ability to send you off into a dream-like state.

This was my favourite record from NC back in 2004. I'm glad it's getting picked up by a bigger label so everyone can hear its pure aural brilliance.

I love the band, if you have not heard them listen to this CD...great songs from Darren Jessee who was drummer for Ben Folds Five... Miss them.

Take one part singer sounding like front-man Fran Healy of Travis, and add to that one part singer sounding like Matthew Caws of Nada Surf. Mix in soft acoustic guitar, at times-Weezer like keyboards, and melodic moody Ben Folds familiar sounding piano, and you now have the recipe for Hotel Lights. Speaking of Ben Folds, how this guy Darren Jessee was hiding behind Ben Folds Five on drums is like wondering about Dave Grohl's misplaced song writing talent behind Kurt Cobain of Nirvana. At some point in their careers, both Grohl and Jessee needed to be front and center leading their own bands. Here's the goods on Hotel Lights, they are well equipped with talent! The song writing is difficult to imagine anyone writing in 2 weeks, and upon listening to the album endlessly, as I have, you might wonder if there is any truth to that rumor. If it is true, then my guess is, you are going to be hearing a lot of this band in the future. Here's some good advise...listen to this album more than once, it will capture a place in your head and heart. It did mine.

I like the acoustic guitar, I like the indie-pop feel of this album. Former Ben Folds' Five drummer Darren Jessee and his band have done well with this group. They have their own unique (and good) sound.

Matt Zarnstorff