Gold Motel - EP

The Hush Sound may be on hiatus, Greta Morgan wasn't going to twiddle her thumbs. The singer of the Chicago-based indie-pop band decided to go solo (not literally, as she's accompanied by four guys) under the name Gold Motel. This first EP is a bunch of old remastered songs she recorded on her own and never had the opportunity to release, as well as new ones.

Gold Motel shines through its simplicity. The first tracks of the EP are very cheerful, combining soft vocals, catchy melodies and intimate instrumentation. The tone is reminiscent of The Hush Sound's latest album atmosphere, light and upbeat. But apart from that, the two acts don't have much in common. Gold Motel has a carefree feeling and an old-timey touch in the keyboards as well as the singer's vocal offering, closer to 60's radio pop than today's one. Greta went her own way, brightening up our listening time, delivering a honest and pretty indie-pop borrowing as much from The Beach Boys as from Norah Jones. The second part is darker and the songwriting gets deeper, with lyrics approaching the issue of a couple separating. 'Who will I be tonight' is a piano ballad in the pure singer/songwriter style and 'Don't send the searchlights' closes the EP in a pretty way: "Good night, goodbye / By the time you turn around I’ll be gone, I'll be gone". A very enjoyable melancholic track.

With Gold Motel, Greta Morgan offers us sweet, charming songs armed with a direct ticket to your heart. While the EP is nothing incredible, it's an endearing and pleasing way to warm yourself up during those harsh winter days.

3.5/5

Recommanded if you like:
The Hush Sound, Eisley, fun.
Check also:
Charlotte Sometimes, The Villains Of Verona, Probably Vampires

www.myspace.com/goldmotel
(Self-released, 2009)