FARAWAY FRIENDS by Hotel Of The Laughing Tree
When you encounter something genuinely sensitive and exciting, do you feel confident and harmonious with the world? While many things in the world may appear mundane and simple, art has the power to change everything. Hotel of the Laughing Tree' brand new album 'Faraway Friends' creates an entirely new, unknown and captivating feeling and atmosphere. Their music is a force that takes you to a different world, offering the best melodrama and the most extraordinary musical experience all in one bottle. Listening to this album, you never know what to expect next as it blends many genres into one unforgettable adventure. The synth arrangement harmonizes with rock motifs to create a plethora of sounds, breaking the space and forming an entirely new auditory experience.
The sound of 'Faraway Friends' by Hotel of the Laughing Tree is unlike anything I've ever heard before. The instrumentation, melodies, rhythms and the overall structure of the songs are all so unusual and unexpected that I found myself constantly surprised and delighted as I listened. As the first track of 'Songs Out of Season' begins, the listener is transported to a world that feels entirely different from Earth, and already in this song you can hear evidence of the band's innovative approach to creating music. In the tracks 'Faraway Friends', 'Ducks in the Flood' and 'Mirrors Up', AJ Estrada doesn't simply perform a vocal line, he plays it and imbues it with emotions, as if he were an actor playing the lead role in a play. To shake up the nostalgic atmosphere of the 80s, the band adds a contemporary electronic elements that make the music simultaneously fresh and familiar.
And undoubtedly, the standout feature of this album is the voice of lead singer AJ Estrada. His vocals are breathtaking, with a depth and sensuality that can only be described as mesmerizing. With each song, he showcases his impressive range and ability to convey complex emotions with his voice alone. It's hard to put into words just how incredible his vocals are: deep and sensual, like an ocean that you could lose yourself in for hours. 'Greatest Hits' and 'April Afternoon', is a work of pure art that defies description. The music is a combination of space pop and rock, which changes, breaks, and curls like a whirlwind, mirroring the unpredictability of life and emotions. The standout track, 'Three Voices', is an acapella masterpiece that sends shivers down your spine. The band immerses you in a three-dimensional space of vocal harmonies, making you feel like you are a member of the Hotel of the Laughing Tree.
I can only compare this song to a masterpiece sculpture of the Colossus. The attention to detail and the intricate interplay of the vocals are reminiscent of the level of skill required to create such an iconic work of art. This particular track seems to serve as a dividing point, bringing to life the more conceptual and darker side of the album following its bright and juicy beginning. The songs 'Nights of True Forgiveness', 'Double Sundae Daydream' and 'Starman Underwater' are characterized by tense and moody music, with low sounds and dark synth chords taking center stage. The adventure of the protagonist becomes increasingly complex and interesting as the listener delves deeper into the world of the album.
My personal favorite from the album is 'So Many Devils'. The low percussions and the grooving guitars, combined with the pumping iridescent synth elements and the broken rhythm, are truly awe-inspiring. AJ's voice vacillates between explosive highs and vulnerable lows, completely immersing the listener in a state of hypnotic bliss. This part of the album showcases the band's ability to create a rich and diverse sonic landscape, taking listeners on an unforgettable journey through sound and emotion. To conclude their introduction to the world of "Hotel of the Laughing Tree", the band presents the classic acoustic-folk ballad 'Keep 'em Coming'. The final track, 'At the Bottom of the Night', seeps into the listener's ears, moving from one ear to the other. The cosmic beginning is soft and exciting, and is accompanied by a plethora of guitars, synth noises and percussion, which together create a delicate soundscape.
The wait of 8 years was worth it, as the band returns with a fresh look and renewed energy, ready to explore new horizons. The album is set to release on April 28th and is currently available for pre-order on CD and I would highly recommend giving 'Faraway Friends' a listen. It's not for everyone, but if you're a fan of music that pushes boundaries and challenges your expectations, then you won't want to miss out on this one. It's a truly unique and unforgettable experience that will leave you wanting more.
Pre-order now 'FARAWAY FRIENDS' HERE
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