Bands constantly come and go in the world of music. What is rare, however, is when the artists involved produce music that is true to both themselves and their fans after the group dissolves. Greta Morgan, former front woman of Chicago based band The Hush Sound and current leader of Gold Motel, found the balance.
Morgan’s original band, The Hush Sound, released its first album in 2005 and two more by 2008. The first, “So Sudden”, showcased the bands clever lyricism, catchy musical arrangements and powerful vocals of both Morgan and vocalist/guitarist Bob Morris. Its following albums, the sophomore “Like Vines” and the final “Goodbye Blues” brought out the fantasy side of the group and saw the growth in the music and the voice of Morgan. It even created a song in honor of Barack Obama as part of their personal campaign to get him elected entitled “We Believe in Barack Obama”.
While the music was always phenomenal, Morgan’s unique and shockingly lovely vocal stylings that blend a classic sound with Indie undertones is what hooked fans and kept them there as a powerful force. And those fans will not be let down by her newest project, Gold Motel.
When The Hush Sound went on hiatus so the members could pursue other musical projects in 2008, Morgan found inspiration when she moved to L.A. She returned to Chicago to start Gold Motel (the name was picked after plucking words from a hat) and released an EP in December of last year.
June 1 saw the release of their first full-length album, “Summer House,” and it lives up to its name. The California influence is clear in the easy going sound that you can put on as a back drop for a casual party or enjoy on the way to the beach with the windows down and the wind in your hair.
“Safe in L.A.” provides a fun beat reminiscent of both The Beach Boys and The Hush Sound while songs like “Perfect In My Mind” reminds us of the simple beauty of Morgan’s voice, as well as what she says with it. The Hush Sound was never a band to have words for the sake of having words, and Gold Motel stays true to that philosophy.
The song, “The Cruel One,” brings hardcore The Hush Sound fans back to the early days of the album “So Sudden” and is bright yet deep enough took hook people who’ve never heard of them before.
Title track “Summer House” is definitely something to hit up, meshing old school sound with catchy indie beats. It suggests the essence of the summers when you were young enough to still have a blast running around with your cousins but old enough to worry about what awaited you at home.
Fans of The Hush Sound won’t be disappointed by Morgan’s new musical project Gold Motel, and neither will anyone who picks them up for the first time on a whim. Each song is worth a listen and has the potential of becoming a favorite. Catch Gold Motel on June 23 at The Factory in Rochester.
Four out of five stars.
