Hospitality, 'Trouble'

By: David Savage

When Hospitality released their self-titled debut album, they filled the songs with such pressing sound coming from a mere three-piece band. The Brooklyn indie-pop trio explores the spectrum of sounds and tones on their sophomore album, Trouble, with dark themes of being “out of place” in the world, as well as heartbreak, loneliness and melancholy. Tracks like “I Miss Your Bones” give us some ear candy, but there is loneliness below the surface. The title of the song gives you all the information you need.

 It’s often forgotten that Hospitality is simple a trio of guitar, bass, and drums, because the bands creates such a full, but balanced, sound. The band consists of Amber Papini (guitar, vocals), Brian Betancourt (bass), and Nathan Michel (drums). One of my favorite aspects of trios is that the bass is so prominent as opposed to other genres and larger bands that drown out the bass with guitars and drums.

Papini’s voice should be paid close attention to, with her double tracked vocals reflecting a ghostly entity to the record. Let’s not forget about all of the lyrical gems, with lines like, “Take all this ocean/and while you’re asleep in slumber/Break up these branches/and mind leaves and sticks smooth/ try not to let the fire go” from “Sullivan”. “Sullivan” is an absolutely stunning track from this record; my absolute favorite. The simply strumming of the electric guitar starts with Papini’s lyrics painting such a vivid image in my mind, and her crooning voice eloquently glazing over and into imagination.

Trouble opens up and adds layers, but before you know it they are progressively peeled away and the album closes with two stripped down acoustic tracks, “Sunship” and “Call Me After”. “Sunship” is another personal favorite of mine. Its simple acoustic chords are melded with horns, lush harmonies, and Papini’s enchanting voice. With headphones on, the strumming is bounced between ears and the horns hold out strongly. Trouble holds a warm springtime vibe that is relaxing and beautiful.

Favorite Tracks: “Sullivan”, “Sunship”, and “I Miss Your Bones”