MP3: Empress Hotel - "Bells Ring"
On the surface this all seems simple enough: a pleasing, understatedly catchy song. But there's more going on here than first meets the ears. A diverse range of tones comes together to make a song that's a lot more well-rounded thanks to the addition of a quick tremolo picking pattern on a guitar, a few bell rings (ohhhh), a sly shaker, varied drum patterns, and the distinct tones of what sounds like a djembe. On a basic level, Empress Hotel sounds like a cross between Dr. Dog's classic-leaning indie rock and My Morning Jacket vocal harmonies (here they recall Z's "Wordless Chorus") with more of a pop orientation driving the show. It's a breezy tune that possesses an uplifting spirit -- a call, of sorts, for celebration. Let's face it: you never really need a reason to celebrate. Life is all about enjoying the moment.
Back in the '60s, I'd imagine that groups like The Beach Boys were capturing a kind of untouchable paradise through music. Even in the dark moments -- if there ever were any -- music from the era was what kept people going. Music was religion; music was the escape. I guess the same could be true about decades outside of the '60s -- maybe I'm just babbling on down the wrong path as I type this during the late night hours. Whatever the case may be, Empress Hotel remind me of those days with their bright, upbeat pop charms. And then again, I may be missing the point entirely considering the press release says the band is "inspired by both one hit wonders of the '70s (Ace and The Dwight Twilley Band) and such legends as Prince, Sparks, and Roxy Music."
The band's self-titled debut EP is out March 8th through Park the Van.
Empress Hotel Tour Dates
Dec 18 - Park the Van Holiday Soirée at HiHo Lounge - New Orleans, LA
Dec 31 - OpenHouse Music Presents: NYE, The Throwdown (Studio 3 Warehouse) - New Orleans, LA
Jan 21 - The BottleTree - Birmingham, AL
Jan 27 - Lola's Saloon - Fort Worth, TX
Jan 28 - Ghost Room - Austin, TX
Jan 29 - Artmosphere - Lafayette, LA
Feb 19 - Blue Nile (Krewe du Vieux) w/ Big History and Booty Trove - New Orleans, LA
Feb 22 - 5 Spot - Nashville, TN
Feb 23 - Tea Bazaar - Charlottesville, VA
Feb 25 - Rock Shop - Brooklyn, NY
Mar 2 - Iota Club and Cafe - Arlington, VA (DC Area)
Mar 5 - Alabama Music Box - Mobile, AL
Mar - SXSW 2011 - Austin, TX
Empress Hotel
MySpace
Park the Van
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