My Hotel Year hails from Orlando, Florida. The Curse is their debut on longtime indie label Doghouse Records. According to the band's bio, their style lies somewhere in the land of Fugazi, Sunny Day Real Estate and Iron Maiden. That statement couldn't be further from the truth.
Don't get me wrong, there are some elements of Sunny Day thrown in there, but as a whole, this album mimics Jimmy Eat World or Fun Size more than Fugazi. This is so much more than watered down indie rock, or a cheap imitation of other bands that are better known.
They display a great range of dynamics that adds so much to the music. One drawback however, are the lyrics. At times they can be too trite or cliched like, "Tear it down, break it up, come on baby listen" in "On The Time." Yet, in other songs like "Heaven" they are more in depth, "How much can I get away with and still make it to heaven?"
Songs like "The Strongest Man Alive" and "Everyday" are great rock songs with amazing pop sensibilities. They keep your attention from start to finish. Other tracks like "Heaven" and "Breathing Patterns", showcase a lighter side to their sound without losing the momentum of the album. The band's back up vocals are as strong as the lead which makes for great harmonies that complement one another.
My Hotel Year has created a great rock album that is extremely catchy and sticks in your head long after the record has stopped. This could be one of my favorite releases of the year so far.
3.5/4
