Saint Motel - saintmotelevision

Saint Motel
saintmotelevision
2016
Spotify

On their sophomore album Saint Motel throw caution to the wind and come up with an album that is as ambitious as it is fun. The big horns and expansive music add to the theatrical focal point that Saint Motel have always had. Since becoming an officially band these former film students have released a total of 17 music videos. While some bands suffer from not focusing their albums direction it seems to be a benefit for Saint Motel. Each song is different but in a very good, and a quite exciting way. Any kind of electronic touch is buried or polished over with live instrumentation giving this indie pop something quite different from many of Saint Motel's contemporaries. On this album saintmotelevision they never shrink or shy away from a big thought, instead they follow it to it's biggest boldest end. The horns on "Destroyer" are so incredibly big it almost seems obscene, but it really does work. "Born Again" could be described as the closest Saint Motel are going to come to a gospel song, and it is not the best on the record, but the willingness to take a risk pays of in the overall album feel. Saint Motel have gone out to make a fun indie dance party album and with that goal in mind they have certainly succeeded.

Lyrically however saintmotelevision is not quite as deep or as strong as the music surrounding it. These are anthems and party tracks not necessarily meant to hold up to deep examination. You should be clapping and singing along to these tracks not taking a deep dive into your psyche with a cup of tea. That is perfectly alright, and Saint Motel seem to have a grasp of this and never take themselves to seriously. "You Can be You" feels to intricate for it's own good and sits as one of the the least interesting songs on the record. "Long Long Distance Relationship (LA2NY)" is an incredibly cheesey take on long distance relationships, but for it's lyrical failings it does have some quite solid music behind it. There is a hell of a lot to like about this record, but also times where it just seems like the themes these tracks take are well worn territory and a bit basic. There is so much on saintmotelevision that is right on the verge of something great, but just not quite there. The album sputters to a stop with the last three tracks and somewhat sours the whole impression. Really nice to see a band truly going for it on a album, but perhaps they just aren't quite there yet.

7.7 out of 10