Hospitality, Hospitality, 2012

Sunday Run Album Review

Punk, noise-rock.  That's been much of my soundtrack lately.  It's been easy to find new music in that category as -- along with synth-pop like M83 and Grimes -- it seems like that's where mindie's been trending.  I've always been a pop fan at heart, though.  Death Cab For Cutie, The Shins, The New Pornographers, and, more recently, Cults and Tennis.  I especially enjoy it when a dark lyric is riding on a catchy pop tune.

After receiving some buzz from a 2008 EP, some of which is included on this full-length, Hospitality released their eagerly-anticipated Hospitality early this year.  I endangered the well-being of my iPhone and bluetooth headset by taking the band out on a drizzly run with me today.

Their name gives you a good indication of what you're in for with Hospitality.  Rooted in British pop like early Elvis Costello or Belle and Sebastian, the Brooklyn band jangles their way through ten gems on their self-titled debut.  Fronted by songwriter/vocalist, Amber Papini, Hospitality is definitely a New York band, their songs brimming with images of the city.  Papini's distinctive vocals are one of the main attractions for me here.  Her delivery fits right in with the overall British pop, tweeishness of the band's sound.

And not everything is sweetness and light in Hospitality's songs.  There are plenty of upbeat melodies, intricate arrangements, la-di-das, and ooh-ooh-oohs.  The lyrics, though, cover post-college disappointment, boredom with work, losing someone to their old flame.

If aggressive rock, electronica, or Top 40 don't do it for you, maybe some jangly hooks are just what you need.