December Hotel's favorite albums bring together familiar classics, independent releases and overlooked records that deserve a wider audience.
The selections span a broad musical landscape, connected by memorable songs, distinctive performances and the lasting impression they leave. Explore the reviews, revisit an old favorite or discover an artist whose music has yet to find its way into your collection.
Fono - It's the Way That You Use It EP
Seeing a Fono review is likely to bring one of two responses: “Who is Fono?” or “I can't believe they're still around!” For me, it was the second. I was a big fan of their debut, Goes Around Comes Around, back in 1999, and I can still return to that album and appreciate it.
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Charity Empressa - S/T
This was a project years in the making. Eric Campuzano, known for his work with The Prayer Chain, Starflyer 59, The Lassie Foundation and Cush, offers another piece of gorgeous ear candy. With help from the Frank Lenz Foundation, Campuzano gives the listener a disc of drone-filled ballads.
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Bernard - A View Beyond the Cave
I don't even know where to start. This is one of those CDs you cannot get enough of. Bernard has an emo foundation but takes off where many bands leave off. Their piano-heavy guitar rock hits a nerve. With a sound this deep, it is hard to believe they are a three-piece. Their flashes of dynamic brilliance are difficult to deny.
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Wilderness of Tekoa - The Skies Pale in Comparison
Wilderness of Tekoa could be one of the best bands to emerge from this corner of the rock scene. Formed in West Palm Beach, Florida, in 2004, they released an independent EP before signing with Northern Records. The Skies Pale in Comparison introduced their music through a full-length release.
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OneRepublic - Waking Up
Sophomore slump? OneRepublic? No. It takes only a few minutes of Waking Up to hear a band that has grown and is far from finished. This is a more engrossing record, with changes that suit their abilities and give the music a fresh sense of possibility.
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Hopesfall - A Types
I was curious about A Types because Hopesfall had always seemed like a band with tremendous potential. Their hardcore elements meet an indie sensibility, with riffs that could feel at home on an At the Drive-In record. That combination makes this an album worth returning to.
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Fold Zandura - Return
Fold Zandura had difficult luck with record labels, which I believe helped keep them from reaching a larger audience. Their sound is hard to describe. One thing I love about these guys is that they sound like no other band. Return is another opportunity to hear that distinctive character.
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The Brothers Martin - S/T
The long-awaited dream finally came to pass: Ronnie Martin of Joy Electric and Jason Martin of Starflyer 59 recorded an album together. If you are a music geek like I am, you may have imagined this record for years. Its tidy ten tracks begin with their shared composition “Communication,” followed by songs credited individually to Ronnie or Jason.
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