Puzzle Pieces – Saint Motel (Free Download)
I first heard of Saint Motel (@saintmotel) in the beginning of 2011. They were described to me as an “awesome band of saints that live in hotel” that had opened up for Ariel Pink’s NYC’s Rock n’ Roll circus show in January. Upon further “Googling”, I realized this “band of saints” was the west coast band named Saint Motel. Described as “garage glam” (whatever that means) by The Wall Street Journal, Saint Motel plays pop rock music with beats that make you start bouncing joyously within a few seconds. Hailing from LA, the quartet definitely bring a sunny west coast vibe to their music.
Saint Motel released their first EP, ForPlay, in 2009 with the added bonus of a music video filmed for each song on the release. Since the band members met each other in film school, it’s not surprising to see that their DIY music videos are polished and artistic with the right amount of theatricality. The music video for “Butch” comically takes embarrassing high school yearbook photos to the next level, while “Dear Dictator” more than successfully depicts the rise and fall of a dictator using a few good props, scantily clad stage hands, and creative lighting.
Saint Motel is thankfully back on my musical radar with their recently released single “Puzzle Pieces.” The song is an upbeat, summer-ready single (spring can no longer be associated with warmer weather in NYC) that falls into a feel-good category. The catchy rhythmic piano riff that begins “Puzzle Pieces” has the potential to linger in your head for several days and put an enormous smile on your face during that time.
With fantastic music, memorable videos, and a whole lot of love from the blogosphere, Saint Motel is a band that has clearly achieved the complete entertainment package most artists should be jealous of. And from what I hear and see, there’s only more to look forward to.
