CaryJS
09/05/09, 03:48 PM
Hotel of the Laughing Tree - Old Dominion
Record label: None
Release Date: August 16, 2009
Formed in December 2008, Hotel of the Laughing Tree has released their eight track debut EP Old Dominion. Despite forming just months ago, the Long Island Based quintet is already pumping out The Dear Hunter-esque indie/prog as if they've been together for years. Despite being a freshman release, and coming from an admittedly bland band name, Old Dominion packs more punch than you would suspect.
"Hello World" starts off the album with a lack of substance, piling on layers as it progresses. The long, gradual crescendo reaches and stays at climax as AJ Estrada belts a powerful "Cry your eyes out." The display of power is what sets the tone for the rest of the album as it transitions well into "Giants in Dimly Lit Rooms". As one of the most popular tracks so far, it features the contagious ragtime/prog that reminds everyone of, naming once again, The Dear Hunter. The track begs for a replay with the ending hook.
"Sunday Squires" starts off simple, with an easy melody, which I was expecting to be downtime after "Giants in Dimly Lit Rooms". I was misled as about halfway through, a long, haunting bridge left me grinning uncontrollably. Fast forward to the hard-hitting fifth track, "Arts 'N Economics". Around 2:10 through the end is where this band really finds their niche. A tenor sax plays a leading melody as guitars belt in the back, vocals take over with another catchy melody, and the song carries itself all the way to a smooth ending. The flow displayed is among the best this year.
Continue on to the most laid-back and fun track on the record, "A Sigh in the Juniper House"; featuring all of ragtime/prog, backing choir ahh's, catchy lead vamps, and chugging guitars/pianos. Okay, so it's not as well executed as The Dear Hunter's "Smiling Swine", but the variety at work is beneficial to the record.
The final two tracks are similarly structured. They both start slow, showing self-indulgent emotion, while piling layers on to form a climax. Both of these tracks, although well-written, start to fall into a formula. However, the dramatic and haunting climax of "Lowlands 1887" is going to leave you wanting more.
As a whole, for a band that has been together for nor even a year, Old Dominion is an exceptional release. While there is all sorts of variety, they still manage to have a multitude of catchy hooks and leads that add replay value. I have to say that Hotel of the Laughing Tree is a must-listen for any The Dear Hunter or The Receiving End of Sirens fans. With some more experience and time together, people should be keeping an eye out for Hotel of the Laughing Tree.
The Dear Hunter; The Receiving End of Sirens
myspace.com/hotelofthelaughingtree (http://www.myspace.com/hotelofthelaughingtree)
Record label: None
Release Date: August 16, 2009
Formed in December 2008, Hotel of the Laughing Tree has released their eight track debut EP Old Dominion. Despite forming just months ago, the Long Island Based quintet is already pumping out The Dear Hunter-esque indie/prog as if they've been together for years. Despite being a freshman release, and coming from an admittedly bland band name, Old Dominion packs more punch than you would suspect.
"Hello World" starts off the album with a lack of substance, piling on layers as it progresses. The long, gradual crescendo reaches and stays at climax as AJ Estrada belts a powerful "Cry your eyes out." The display of power is what sets the tone for the rest of the album as it transitions well into "Giants in Dimly Lit Rooms". As one of the most popular tracks so far, it features the contagious ragtime/prog that reminds everyone of, naming once again, The Dear Hunter. The track begs for a replay with the ending hook.
"Sunday Squires" starts off simple, with an easy melody, which I was expecting to be downtime after "Giants in Dimly Lit Rooms". I was misled as about halfway through, a long, haunting bridge left me grinning uncontrollably. Fast forward to the hard-hitting fifth track, "Arts 'N Economics". Around 2:10 through the end is where this band really finds their niche. A tenor sax plays a leading melody as guitars belt in the back, vocals take over with another catchy melody, and the song carries itself all the way to a smooth ending. The flow displayed is among the best this year.
Continue on to the most laid-back and fun track on the record, "A Sigh in the Juniper House"; featuring all of ragtime/prog, backing choir ahh's, catchy lead vamps, and chugging guitars/pianos. Okay, so it's not as well executed as The Dear Hunter's "Smiling Swine", but the variety at work is beneficial to the record.
The final two tracks are similarly structured. They both start slow, showing self-indulgent emotion, while piling layers on to form a climax. Both of these tracks, although well-written, start to fall into a formula. However, the dramatic and haunting climax of "Lowlands 1887" is going to leave you wanting more.
As a whole, for a band that has been together for nor even a year, Old Dominion is an exceptional release. While there is all sorts of variety, they still manage to have a multitude of catchy hooks and leads that add replay value. I have to say that Hotel of the Laughing Tree is a must-listen for any The Dear Hunter or The Receiving End of Sirens fans. With some more experience and time together, people should be keeping an eye out for Hotel of the Laughing Tree.
The Dear Hunter; The Receiving End of Sirens
myspace.com/hotelofthelaughingtree (http://www.myspace.com/hotelofthelaughingtree)