Album Thoughts
I've heard a bit of Saint Motel before and quite enjoyed their sound. They do some good Big Music, and something about their energetic style makes me want to kick stuff (complimentary), so I'm interested in what else they've got.
Song Notes
Move
- A song that makes me want to kick stuff.
- I love the twang on the guitar’s tone - it gives it an edgy feel.
Getaway
- The bass riff here moves things along very nicely, along with the big drums.
Destroyer
- Ahh, the best of the brass instruments - saxophone!
- That’s a pretty dang good chorus.
Born Again
- I haven’t heard a song like this from them, where it’s nice and relaxed.
- Huh, this was a tone and subject matter I really didn’t expect.
Sweet Talk
- This is definitely one I’ve heard before, and it ain’t half bad.
- Very upbeat and happy.
You Can Be You
- The melody for the verses is really nice.
- The wah-wah on the guitar stepping down is also a really fun sound.
For Elise
- A cute pun in here, for sure, and the tiny little motif is delightful.
Local Long Distance Relationship (LA2NY)
- Not a lot of thoughts about this one, musically.
Slow Motion
- The use of synth arpeggiation up and down is kinda nostalgic to me.
Happy Accidents
- I dunno, this one was fine.
General Thoughts
- They use big band elements in a way that really compliments their sound and contributes to the Big Music feeling.
- Their usage of good, kinetic bass riffs also really speaks to me.
- Saint Motel feels a little… basic? Almost commercial? Palatable? But not in a bad way? I’m struggling to define it.
- It’s well constructed music and gives off the feel it wants, but it feels like the edge is very carefully controlled/constructed/restrained in a way that makes me want more from it than I think they’re willing to provide.
- It feels like they’re trying to be popular, and they’re enjoying what they’re doing, and it’s working, but I feel like I can hear them sanding the ‘personal’ edges off. I mean this criticism, but I can’t deny that I’m enjoying the music.