Savoy Motel

In an description that goes with one of their online videos, the band Savoy Motel proudly declares they "are not a post-punk band or a retro glam revival group." Despite this disclaimer, the Nashville based quartet certainly seem to have spent a lot of time studying the sounds of the '70s, judging from their self-titled debut album. Savoy Motel features two former members of the band Cheap Time (bassist, vocalist, keyboard man, and songwriter Jeffrey Novak and drummer and vocalist Jessica McFarland) and two alumni from Heavy Cream (guitarist and vocalist Mimi Galbierz and lead guitarist Dillon Watson). With music informed by glam rock, distaff classic rock acts, and the soul elements David Bowie brought forward on Young Americans, Savoy Motel generate a distinctly period-inspired sound, especially when drummer McFarland steps away from the drum kit and lets her vintage Maestro Rhythm King drum machine do the work. Musically, Savoy Motel have worked out a distinct formula from their various influences, and it's effective, as the group grooves out and Watson layers his solos over the top. On numbers like "Hot One" and "Souvenir Shop Rock," Savoy Motel deliver material that's clearly drawn from past sounds but still has its own recognizable personality, and their sense of hooks and tight arrangements helps them get over. ~ Mark Deming|

ナッシュヴィルの男女混合バンドがパーケイ・コーツを輩出したレーベルよりアルバム・デビュー。サザン・ロックにブギーやディスコ・パンクを合体させた楽曲は笑えるほどコテコテで、時代錯誤な見た目も相まってイロモノ的な匂いを感じるが、ヘヴィ・クリームやチープ・タイムで各々キャリアを積んできた集団だけあり、テクニックは確か。粘着質な演奏にアラバマ・シェイクスのファンもきっと唸るだろう。
bounce (C)上野功平