Melbourne’s goodbyemotel Rocks
By Jane Croft
Oh, how I wanted to give the Melbourne rock band goodbyemotel a tough time. It’s not that I dislike them, quite the contrary! But I didn’t want to give my love so easily. I wanted to play hard to get, make them work for my affections. Sure, they had me with their lead single, “Set It Off,” from their new EP release People, but I wanted to remain mysteriously aloof.
That all went out the window when I heard their new track, “Michael.” Now I’m smitten for life. Damn.
With a strong piano intro leading the way, this new release reminded me a bit of Ben Folds Five. It truly relies on the technical skill of the piano and the vocal talents of the band. There are a few other bells and whistles ~ some great drum work and an electric guitar that simply stays steady throughout ~ but at the center of this song is a passionate story.
“Nothing really matters when you’re walking in the spot light, you’re bound to fall,” the band sings of Michael. “But it doesn’t mean anything.”
There’s an honesty here. It’s not acoustic, which is typically where I find musical honesty in all of its bare bones glory, but it has so many elements of an acoustic song. Band members Gustaf Sjodin Enstrom, Tom Marks, Scott Pioro and Paul Amorese ~ now on tour in Japan ~ present an incredible united front of ferocity. They’re so good at what they do, you just want to be a part of it.
People is set to be released in the US on October 26. Goodbyemotel is a band that deserves your undivided attention. They’re a collective of musicians who immerse themselves in music, art and film. Their music combines intensity, energy and building crescendos contrasted with sparse arrangements, rich melodies, harmonies and pop sensibility.
They already have crazy street cred, not just in Australia, but across the globe as well. Their music has been featured on major international TV including “Gossip Girl,” “Covert Affairs,” national sports shows and numerous promotional campaigns. It’s also appeared in feature films like Summer Coda and won international song competitions including one that led to them being named feature artist on Delta Airlines’ in-flight radio program.
And if it weren’t enough that they are talented and good looking, they also have the tender hearts of artistic do-gooders. They’ve provided the soundtrack to good cause campaigns including The Oaktree Foundation’s “End child slavery” campaign, which included national TV and MTV ad campaigns.
Take a listen to “Michael” HERE , but then give “Set It Off” a chance too. You’ll fall deep in love, like this listener begrudgingly did.