Based in Brighton and Plymouth, Beat Hotel, released their self-titled EP last Friday. Recorded at Church Road Studios in Hove, it will be released by Occultation Recordings, the home of indie legends The Wild Swans and Factory Star (The Fall/Blue Orchids founder/guitarist Martin Bramah).
All images courtesy of DC Cane
Frontman Paul Pascoe, driven by a sudden and painful end of a relationship, spoke of “facing down inner demons” whilst recording the EP. Like all hardcore music fans, Pascoe did so by delving into his record collection. Initially looking for comfort, Pascoe eventually found the inspiration that set him on his creative path 30 years ago.
'Bury It Deep' channels the distinct bass of Peter Hook and the fragile vocals of Bernard Sumner via Liverpool. The haze of Michael Head's Pale Fountains and Shack roams freely with the immediacy of Echo & The Bunnymen. Whilst Pascoe's youth is revisited here, the solo lends itself to his elder, more reflective self. It’s hauntingly withdrawn, akin to Noel Gallagher on 'Riverman ' and 'The Dying of the Light'.
The Liverpool connections continue on 'Daddy, I Drown' and 'Heat Light Fire'. The former, possesses the pop simplicity of Cast's 'Live The Dream' and the shimmering beauty of the Bunnymen's 'Lips Like Sugar'. Meanwhile, 'Heat Light Fire', takes the Bunnymen influences for a psychedelic walk with The Velvets and Jesus & The Mary Chain.
'Feel It' and 'Beat Girl', perhaps sums up Beat Hotel both now and in their former bands (The June Brides, The Loft, The Weather Prophets, Distractions, Mudlow, Mojo Fins and Lolita Storm). On 'Feel It', they've taken the dreamy rock 'n' roll of The Byrds and injected it with the raucous hiss of the Mary Chain. Like the great Mary Chain songs, behind the noise lies a great party riff.
'Beat Girl', takes The Wishing Stones 1986 cult classic on a journey through Sarah's Records. The cuteness of Aberdeen and Boyracer is brought to life on this cinematic meander downstream.
Beat Hotel may only be seen as often as a Snow Leopard but, they are no less beautiful. Anyone emotionally attached to the Children of Nuggets' era, should open their hearts to this EP.