Rating: NNNN
Brooklyn trio Hospitality’s debut album stood out for its upbeat melodies, impressionistic lyrics and a touch light enough to verge on twee. Those things are intact on their follow-up, but newfound shades of grey make it more complex and striking than album one.
Without ever growing heavy – they rarely rely on distortion – softly crooning singer/guitarist Amber Papini, bassist Brian Betancourt and drummer Nathan Michel offer up 10 songs full of space and nuance while still delivering hooks aplenty.
Sullivan is the softest and most sombre, while on the opposite end of the spectrum, I Miss Your Bones – impressively tracked live – is almost Spoon-like in its vivacity, propulsive momentum and unusual phrasing. It’s Not Serious will appeal to Belle & Sebastian fans, while the murky, late-hours dance-floor vibe of Last Words brings Bon Iver to mind.
Hospitality clearly draw from and work within the indie rock spectrum, yet find ways to make the elements add up to something uniquely satisfying.
Top track: Last Words
Hospitality play the Horseshoe Saturday (August 2).