Hotels will be at Bumbershoot September 5th @ 2:00pm The EMP Sky Church

Photo by Christina Cadenhead

It’s about that time again chickies! What does SSG have to recommend for your Labor Day festivities today? How would you like some dreamy synth-pop? Hotels is going to be bringing it to Bumbershoot like nobody’s business! You’re going to get it, and Hotels is going to give it to you.

I had the pleasure being one of many to see Hotels at their When Hearts Go Broke record release party. It was a bit uncomfortable being stuffed like a sardine in the sold out crowed, but it was worth it; Hotels put on a fantastic show! Blake, the lead singer, charmed the crowed like Elvis Presley, and it wasn’t because had similar looking hair. Blake delivered a charismatic show because he captains a unique act and he is very confident in their product.

Hotels creates a sound that is as unique as it’s makers; it has the paradoxical approach of neo-retro.  The song “The Heart That Hears Like a Bat,” creates the ambiance of wearing a trench coat and hat, holding a cigarette, and trying to figure out a mystery while being enveloped in fog … in the Twilight Zone. It’s a drug free acid trip!  A converse mood created on this album is in the song “Leilani”; It’s a beach party in 1969 — blessed euphoria. There are as many different moods on When Hearts Go Broke as there are songs, but they all have seamless congruity. It’s refreshing to find an act that is unique and easy to listen to.

With the smorgasbord of things going on with Hotels sound, you may think it’s unlikely Hotels can recreate the emotions of When Hearts Go Broke via live show. Don’t underestimate our whimsical quartet. They bring one of the most audience engaging shows in Seattle. Whatever mood they are creating will have you baited — hook, line, and sinker.

Be there to experience this for yourself! Until then, please enjoy footage from a private session and an interview provided by yours truly.