Review Summary: Elegant and seemingly timeless indie pop perfect for any occasion and appealing to all ages.
Saint Motel knows how to not overuse a piano, which these days is truly a gift for any newer indie pop band. I just got around to listening to their excellent debut LP Voyeur, and I have to say it’s one of the most consistent releases I’ve heard in quite some time. The entire album is brimming with life and has enough energy to make even the shyest of dinner-party guests start to move. Either as background music or on a purposed playlist, the songs are extremely listenable and it’s obvious that time and consideration was put into each individual track.
‘Puzzle Pieces’ is based around an exuberant, irresistible piano line that just doesn’t quit, and it’s just about one of the easiest things to get stuck in your head ever. ‘Benny Goodman’ is the other track that really blows out their sound to add fiery horns and a bit of sampling, both done in the best way possible. Honestly, listening to these two tracks will make you quite inclined to investigate the rest of their work, and you’ll find every song is satisfying to equal degrees. Saint Motel is consistent, and are smart to have some very diverse songs packed together on Voyeur.
Comparison-wise, I’d say the group could fall in rank with bands like Cheers Elephant and Izabo (an Israeli indie rock band who are equally incredible and bolster my hipster cred). What’s cool is that Saint Motel isn’t scared to adopt a bit of a 70s pastiche on some songs, combining their signature sound with the past and making the album have a bit of a classic feel despite being so new. Overall, the band is fun, enjoyable, and in need of more fans like yourself.
