How does a band from a city that produces such diverse, successful indie artists keep from falling to the wayside? Hospitality fires back with their sophomore LP Trouble—the shedding of old skin for a tougher, more intriguing one. The Brooklyn trio led by Amber Papini has left its Ivy League college-pop sound behind and come back with an album that becomes an amalgamation of indie rock subgenres. They steer away from the sophomore slump by creating a unique, challenging album that showcases their ability to be something different and look good while doing it.
The first song, “Nightingale,” oscillates between a shoegaze sound and a homage to the Black Keys. By opening with such a bold song, they let listeners know that Trouble isn’t the happy, commercial-bate album that preceded it. However, they mistakenly overdo this rock dream-pop style, causing the next few songs to blend together. “Going Out,” “I Miss Your Bones” and “Rockets and Jets” feel similar, each offering what sounds like a different version of the same pop-rock song. “Inauguration” explores electronic, percussion-driven sounds and “Sullivan” uses reverb and echo along with minimal instruments to create a lullaby where Papini’s voice flows in and out of space. Hospitality give a nod to their old sound in “It’s Not Serious,” using catchy guitar melodies, upbeat bass and hipster girl Instagram imagery.
The album shines on the longest song, “Last Words.” It affirms Hospitality’s ability to try new genres. Beginning with a driving bass line and funky synths, the song sets a tone of mystery and intrigue. Striking piano chords and a serious-sounding Papini lead the verse into a chorus that incorporates both male backing vocals and 80’s dark pop style. The song grows and changes, breaking into a jumble of synths and guitar effects, before transitioning into a lengthy instrumental where guitar solos play over a smooth rhythm and eventually fade out. Hospitality finds the new, impressive sound they spend most of the album searching for in “Last Words.”
Trouble is great for Hospitality’s growth in the music industry, making a bold statement in an adventurous album. It’s difficult to make such a stark change musically without making mistakes along the way, but Trouble ultimately succeeds at showing their improved talent, musical growth and bold mission to be a progressive and unique band in the diverse indie community.
Rating: B
