Album Review: Hotel Bleu – Broadside

Once you check into Broadside’s Hotel Bleu, you won’t want to check out. In fact, you’ll likely want to move into the penthouse suite to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

Broadside’s fourth studio album is a gripping release packed to the brim with energy, emotion and polished instrumentation. The band – consisting of vocalist Oliver Baxxter, guitarist Domenic Reid and bassist Patrick Diaz – have crafted a very thoughtful release that respects the group’s roots while allowing for a natural sonic evolution. The album offers a diverse but cohesive selection of songs that should please new and old fans alike.

The band’s evocative, complex lyricism continues to shine on this album, proving the band’s excellence at their craft. Just looking at the intricacy of each song on this record shows how much care and consideration the band takes in creating their work. Broadside’s writing consistently draws on vivid imagery and dynamic themes, setting the band apart as one of the strongest lyrically in the genre.

The band has never shied away from exploring darker and more complex themes, and this record is no exception. Some topics covered include self-doubt, witnessing the suffering of a loved one, and the inherent need for escape. These heavier topics find a balance against bright guitar work to create something really memorable.

Standout track, “Stranger,” serves as an excellent introduction to the album. The opener merges power with emotion in a way that quickly grabs the listener’s attention. The intensity level never lets up throughout its running time. The bridge elevates this further, adding in another layer of sound to really tie it all together.

“Dazed & Confused” is a fun, bright track with a slick beat and infectious chorus. There’s a certain fullness to this track that’s so satisfying to listen to, and it’s nearly impossible to get through the song without dancing along. It’s a quality that should translate well to a live setting. The near stutter effect is a nice addition and it is executed well, playing into the title without feeling like a gimmick.

A few other standouts on the album include the anthemic single “One Last Time,” the dramatic “What Have I Done” and the earworm that is “How to Love, How to Lie,” a track that will be looping in the listener’s head for days after hearing it.

Broadside also delves into collaboration on Hotel Bleu, bringing in features from The Home Team (“Cruel”), Honey Revenge (“Lucid”) and Magnolia Park (“Bang”). “Cruel” in particular stands out with its wistful melody, moody lyrics and the seamless way that Baxxter’s vocals blend with Brian Butcher’s.

It wouldn’t be a Broadside album without a song that tugs at your heartstrings. Closer ballad “Bleu” offers a haunting conclusion to the record. Penned for Baxxter’s fiancé, it stands out as the clear emotional pillar of the album.The listener can feel that sentiment in Baxxter’s voice as he delivers one of his strongest vocal performances to date. The song builds on its initial acoustic guitar work in such a satisfying way, gradually creating a layered masterpiece before ending on a clean, simple note that will give you chills.