Cavalier (label)
12 March 2012 (released)
22 March 2012
Some days all you want is for a band to deliver some good music without trying too hard. A band that is loaded with natural talent and completely comfortable - 'playing within themselves' as they say.
Twilight Hotel seem to be exactly that. A duet, completely individual in their talents and completely sympathetic to each other and making music that is rather lovely.
The title track: an eerie little gem with a beat that never varies through the whole number, a ghostly little accordion in the background and a chilling chorus line "I'll be free when the wolves go blind". Little touches of ukulele and sublime harmonies - a great number.
Brandy Zdan and Dave Quanbury are transplanted Canadians with a deft touch and confidence that just oozes out of everything they do. 'What Do I Know about Love' is sleazy and louche, almost French in style, with some whispery sax beneath the accordion. But when they want to play loud they do a number like 'The Master' with its Mexicali feel and knowing vocals.
After a few listens I find I am getting very comfortable with Twilight Hotel - even with the little unexpected twists that lay deep in the music and the harmonies - and looking forward to whatever they are serving up next.
That turns out to be a harrowing song about suicide and lost faith with the softest of harmonies and the sharpest of slide guitar as the focus (Dream Of letting Go).
It has to be said, these are seriously talented and very good to listen to Canucks.
There isn't a duffer or a filler here. 14 tracks that would take pride of place on anyone's album including crackers like the rocking 'Ham Radio Blues' or the sumptuous 'Golden Eagle'.
I was looking forward to quality and I got rather a fine gem.
