Seattle-based sci-fi pop band Hotels, one of KEXP’s ‘top discoveries’ of recent years, are back with their latest opus. Hotels’ third album sees the much-loved band build on the strengths of their acclaimed sophomore album Where Hearts Go Broke, taking their addictive and singular meld of post-punk, shoegaze rock and cinematic pop and launching it into outer space. On The Casino Floor is a dizzying concept album, its seven masterful cuts telling the story of a secret agent, his former mentor and current arch-nemesis, and a nefarious prince’s plan to destroy Earth during the grand opening of the universe’s only outer space casino complex…
The album features the Brian-Wilson-meets-Mercury-Rev melancholy of ‘Lonely Islands’, the majestic astral pop of the title track, the noir surf punk of single ‘The Bat Watusi’, and the John Barry-inspired dream rock that is finale ‘Sleep In Fame’.
“Hotels fuse elements of new wave, goth, and surf so seamlessly that genre tags will be the last thing on your mind when you hear their bittersweet, atmospheric pop songs” – Time Out New York
“…a tightly nuanced and ominous track filled with homage to the drive-in horror B-flicks of yesteryear. Not to mention the ghosts of Link Wray and Dick Dale lurking in the shadows. Though cinematic in scope, ‘The Bat Watusi’ is frantic, sinister garage rock at its ass-shaking core.” – My Old Kentucky Blog
Release Date and Availability
On The Casino Floor is out now through Hidden Shoal Recordings and distributed via n5Mailorder. The CD version of the album features stunning artwork including a fold out poster, all designed by the wonderful Stuart Medley. Head to the Hidden Shoal Store for all availability info and to stream the album in full. The spectacular album launch (burlesque dancers and ninjas!) takes place in Seattle on 26 February 2011 at the Columbia City Theater. Check the Hotels’ website for full details.
Hotels – ‘Lonely Islands’
