By KCRW Music Librarian and DJ, Eric J. Lawrence
It’s always heartwarming to see local boys do good. In the case of the Los Angeles-based quartet Saint Motel, it is the occasion of their debut album, Voyeur, which is cause for celebration. We here at KCRW have been enjoying their spirited brand of 21st century indie rock since their first material was sent to us in mid-2009. But like most good things, it took a couple of years for them to craft that most 20th century of pop musical artifacts: the debut album.
They have attacked it with gusto on Voyeur, adding dynamic touches to their rock-solid core of songwriting: percolating keyboard lines, grand piano gestures, wacky big-band samples, fiery horn sections, etc. Songs like “Benny Goodman” and “Puzzle Pieces” chug along on the strength of their catchy riffs, but linger in the mind’s ear and warrant repeat listens due to smart arrangements and the alchemy of fun-loving pop music at its most pleasurable. And they put on one heck of a live show to boot.
Saint Motel are fully capable of stretching out a bit, such as on their multi-parted song-cycle, “Daydream/Wetdream/Nightmare,” which offers a power-pop take on a rather eventful night’s sleep, or “1997,” which somehow combines a wee bit of the epicness of Queen, early 70s-era Rolling Stones and the Polyphonic Spree, all without sounding utterly ridiculous. Overall the album is a satisfying package from start to finish, which is further proof that good things happen to those who wait!
Voyeur will be available to stream on demand from Monday July 23 through July 30, 2012.