Centered around the singer/songwriter talent of former
Ben Folds Five drummer
Darren Jessee, indie rock quartet
Hotel Lights mixes amiably wistful AM-style pop and indie-pop on their eponymous debut. Having garnered some writing credits while with
Ben Folds Five, it's no surprise that
Jessee displays a knack for writing mellow and heartfelt songs that make the most of a catchy melody. Tracks such as "Miles Behind Me" and "I Am a Train," with their mix of acoustic guitars, synthesizers, and various electronic and eclectic instruments bring to mind
the Shins and
Grandaddy as contemporary touchstones, while the country-tinged "Stumblin' Home Winter Blues" is pure '60s folk à la
Bob Dylan. This a low-key but nonetheless impressive first effort. ~ Matt Collar