Music
Glaswegian septet The Joy Hotel has been building a steady reputation with their distinctive sound that recalls past artists but feels timely with stellar production and lyricism. Built around Emme Woods standout vocals. Having built momentum on the festival circuit and strong word of mouth, the group now celebrates the release of their debut LP ‘Ceremony’, recorded in eleven days at Rockfield, the legendary studio in Monmouth, Wales, recording live-to-tape.
‘I Decline’ sets the tone and spotlights Woods’ vocals with gorgeous harmonies. It shows a maturity beyond many group’s debut LP, a more folk-leaning opening portion, giving way to a more indie vibe. There is much to admire around the way it builds and the depth of the sound.
The tracks often lead straight into the next moment, ‘Forever Tender Blue’ is a stripped-back track with an almost jazz tinge to it, feeling like something from Alex Turner’s recent work. It is a gorgeous throwback built around Luke Boyce’s vocals with wonderful guitar work, that proves the group’s musical chops. Again, it’s the musical range and wisdom that shines through here, this sounds like something from a band that has been around for some time rather than a group just starting out.
‘First Joy’ is a real statement of intent, built around dirty riffs and a far gruffer vocal from Woods, tonally far removed from the earlier tracks it has a raw and unpolished feel to it but it proves what an exciting prospect The Joy Hotel are and that they aren’t ones to be pigeonholed.
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‘Jeremiah’ leans more into Americana and blues, with Bryce and Woods’ harmonies recalling acts from the 60s coupled with bluesy guitar riffs. Despite this, the production and sound feel contemporary. It is a standout on a highly impressive debut, encompassing all that works so well for The Joy Hotel.
‘Black Balloon’ is another gorgeous foray into the group’s tapestry of influences with strings and again showing how well the two vocalists go together. At six minutes 20, it is an epic that never feels its length as it weaves in numerous elements, with soaring guitar solos.
Closer ‘Slow Mercy’ really captures the lightening in a bottle feel of the record with a soft piano based track giving way to a thundering climax as the group lets loose, a chaotic way to end a stellar debut, full of fuzzy distorted guitars, threatening to lose control.
The 13 tracks on this debut are highly eclectic and mark The Joy Hotel out as a must listen with an irresistible blend of indie/alternative, folk, blues and so much more. What’s most impressive is how well they bring all the disparate elements into a melting pot that celebrates their influences while bringing something fresh and unique to the table.
7/10
Words: Christopher Connor
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