This second album from New York quartet Hospitality is nothing short of a revelation. Described as an intriguing mix of post-punk and progressive rock; two opposites don't seem to match on paper. In reference to Trouble though, they seem to intermingle into a cohesive whole which in parts is quite mindblowing.
High praise maybe, and in some respects there is nothing much original here. It could be argued that they are in thrall to Karen O and Co but that would be unfair to this most exciting of bands. In short, Hospitality are the future of indie rock, whatever that means in this day and age.
The urgent 'Nightingale' ushers in a stop/start sort of feel as lead vocalist Amber Papini, all frat girl vocals and snotty attitude, interlaces the music with her preening lyrics about, well...fish from what can be made out. Over the top are tempo changes that foreshadow an almost orchestral ending to the first five minutes.
The pace is kept up with the funky bass on 'Going Out' which serves to anchor the song as it progresses along it's path. This is then matched by the jagged, angular 'I Miss Your Bones' which aside from displaying their post-punk nous also threatens to turn into a Talking Heads epic at them end. Innovative for it's kind, there is something special at work here.
The bleak 'Inauguration' plays well on repeated listens and becomes a sort of backbone to the album as it leads into 'Rockets and Jets' which shows Hospitality's total mastery of what they are doing. Once the groove kicks in, you find your feet shuffling to a distinct dance beat which should be negated by the style of music but still comes through.
This dance style is revisits later on 'Last Words' which is the most overtly Yeah Yeah Yeahs song here. Where-as Karen O reaches for the glitterball though, Amber delves deep into the psyche and searches for a more tribal feel. Counteracting this is the sweet little indie song 'It's Not Serious' which precedes this song which is pure 90's Juliana Hatfield.
There is an awful lot to admire in Trouble and it is great to see a good indie guitar band for a change, a true independent spirit runs through their core and they deserve all the plaudits. On this showing they have released one of the first great albums of 2014. Take time to explore this album and have a dance at the same time. Its a killer.
