Band: Goodbye Motel
CD Title: End Play EP
Reviewed By: Lyn and Heather
We both found it daunting to write a review of a CD that a band member has sent to us to review. They’ve gone out of their way to do this - what if we don’t like it?!
However, we can both say that once we received this EP and checked out the cover art, we had a sneaking suspicion we were going to enjoy it. Any daunting thoughts completely disappeared on the first listen.
This music would suit a wide range of listeners, from anyone interested in UK-styele indie rock and enjoy bands from The Verve to Suede, Eskimo Joe to U2, End of fashion, Gomez, David Bowie, Crowded House, iOTA and even Death Cab for a Cutie, who they have been compared to before.
This EP was recorded late 2006 by producer Kalju Tonuma (Crowded House, Evermore, The D4, the Mavis’s). Recorded and mixed in Collingwood, Melbournem it was then mastered in NY by Howie Weinberg (Jeff Buckley, Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana).
‘Not Anymore’ starts off with smooth tones and builds to a catchy, beat-driven indie rock song. The guitars work so well with the strong vocals. It’s a nice strong start to an EP.
‘All That Bad’ is our standout favourite from the EP. The singer – Damian Capicchiano - has a voice that reminds us of Brett Anderson at times. There are great effects and vocals. With swaying beats and lyrics that catch hold of you and become familiar after just one listen, it's a fantastic radio song that has had some great airplay. Drums are prominent too, and there is great rhythm throughout.
‘Hell Out Of Here’ - if you like your music to escalate then this EP is for you. Straight grooves belt up into an explosion of sound. We love the intensity and slight angsty feel to this song.
‘Operation Lights’ boasts some more smooth vocals. A grunty, dirty bass riff starts the song, and crisp guitar work holds it all together. It’s definitely the dramatic song on the EP. The end gains pace with great backing vocals and voice distortion. Again, this song escalates your senses.
‘If This Is The Way Out (Then I'm Staying Here)’ is a great melodic tune layered with effects, piano, guitar, vocals and strings in a 51 piece orchestra. The song is an epic at around 7 minutes long, but it doesn't feel drawn out. It creates a beautiful ending to what is a well produced EP. It’s important to note that the orchestral strings for this song were arranged and conducted by Ben Northey (Hilltop Hoods, The Whitlams).
The thing that struck us most about the EP is that it almost sounded like we’d heard it before, like an old favourite we hadn’t listened to in a while. That’s probably because every song is extremely radio-friendly, a feature that should help Goodbye Motel along immensely as they gain popularity.
We’re certain that if these boys keep heading in the direction they are, they will develop an escalating fan base. Songs like this don’t grace us often. We can’t wait for a full album.
Showing posts with label Goodbye Motel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Goodbye Motel. Show all posts
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Goodby Motel and Armen Firman
Band: Goodbye Motel and Armen Firman
Venue: The Public Bar
Date: November 18 2007
Reviewed By: Adam Sharp
The pendulum of musical dominance has traditionally swung between the UK and America. Individual cities have taken their turn fronting their countries’ periods of ascendancy within the alternative music realm; Liverpool, Detroit, Manchester, Seattle, London and New York all being considered the place where all other bands look to for inspiration at one time or another. Recently Canada, and specifically Montreal, has emerged as an additional player in this tug of war, spearheaded by Arcade Fire, Wolf Parade and The Stills. Scandinavia is also proving to be a hotbed of groundbreaking bands of late, from Denmark’s Mew and Kissaway Trail to Norway’s Poor Rich Ones and Sweden’s Shout Out Louds. Melbourne may well be the next major contender to the throne and tonight’s two acts may well be at the forefront of such an uprising.
First on in the tiny Public Bar is the ever-growing in stature Armen Firman. The five piece clearly just love being on stage and their presence on it is becoming more assured with each of their high octane sets. The Kashmir influenced Long Lost Cause with its rampageous snare drumming, anthemic choruses and soaring riffs has never sounded better. Crowd favourite Porch Dweller bounces by with a delightful insouciance on the back of a meandering bass line and gently cascading guitars.
Though headliners Goodbye Motel have been together for less than two years, half of its members have played together for over a decade. This shows in their cohesion and highly developed understanding of dynamics, showcased impeccably by the insistent surge of All That Bad or the expansive sweep of Hell Out Of Here.
Goodbye Motel’s sound successfully melds the sprawling Northern Soul era The Verve with the accessible musicality of Death Cab For Cutie and the wistful atmospherics of Swedish band Kent. Their influences are tightly woven together with their own innovative thread to create a mesmeric blanket of sound. They demonstrate how far they have taken this sound with Sooner Or Later which begins when a mournful piano coalesces with a distant sounding, tribal drum march and hushed, treated vocals; the track then builds majestically before ultimately taking off.
It would not be too bold a statement to say Goodbye Motel and Armen Firman are two of the finest indie rock bands currently plying their trade in Australia. So if you want Melbourne to triumph in the almighty global tussle for supremacy check them both out at once. Your country needs you!
Venue: The Public Bar
Date: November 18 2007
Reviewed By: Adam Sharp
The pendulum of musical dominance has traditionally swung between the UK and America. Individual cities have taken their turn fronting their countries’ periods of ascendancy within the alternative music realm; Liverpool, Detroit, Manchester, Seattle, London and New York all being considered the place where all other bands look to for inspiration at one time or another. Recently Canada, and specifically Montreal, has emerged as an additional player in this tug of war, spearheaded by Arcade Fire, Wolf Parade and The Stills. Scandinavia is also proving to be a hotbed of groundbreaking bands of late, from Denmark’s Mew and Kissaway Trail to Norway’s Poor Rich Ones and Sweden’s Shout Out Louds. Melbourne may well be the next major contender to the throne and tonight’s two acts may well be at the forefront of such an uprising.
First on in the tiny Public Bar is the ever-growing in stature Armen Firman. The five piece clearly just love being on stage and their presence on it is becoming more assured with each of their high octane sets. The Kashmir influenced Long Lost Cause with its rampageous snare drumming, anthemic choruses and soaring riffs has never sounded better. Crowd favourite Porch Dweller bounces by with a delightful insouciance on the back of a meandering bass line and gently cascading guitars.
Though headliners Goodbye Motel have been together for less than two years, half of its members have played together for over a decade. This shows in their cohesion and highly developed understanding of dynamics, showcased impeccably by the insistent surge of All That Bad or the expansive sweep of Hell Out Of Here.
Goodbye Motel’s sound successfully melds the sprawling Northern Soul era The Verve with the accessible musicality of Death Cab For Cutie and the wistful atmospherics of Swedish band Kent. Their influences are tightly woven together with their own innovative thread to create a mesmeric blanket of sound. They demonstrate how far they have taken this sound with Sooner Or Later which begins when a mournful piano coalesces with a distant sounding, tribal drum march and hushed, treated vocals; the track then builds majestically before ultimately taking off.
It would not be too bold a statement to say Goodbye Motel and Armen Firman are two of the finest indie rock bands currently plying their trade in Australia. So if you want Melbourne to triumph in the almighty global tussle for supremacy check them both out at once. Your country needs you!
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