Paris Motel

Amy May is the guiding neon light in Paris Motel. She is the general manager, head housekeeper and michelin rated chef. When backed by a full orchestral her staff can number over 50, but normally the staff roster is much less formidable.

‘071' is the first official release from Paris Motel and from the accapella vocal that kicks off ‘I Lost My Heart / Philippe, Philippe' an understanding quickly forms that this will not be your average mini-album. With gently plucked guitars, baroque violin and high-pitched backing vocals which could have been lifted from ‘Silence Is Golden' Amy May celebrates past greats while injecting her own brand of cerebral medicine for the soul.

Second track Mr. Splitfoot brings on a far darker mood with the underlying bass riff reminiscent of Nirvana's unplugged version of ‘About A Girl'. The occasionally strummed wavering guitar, a la Pulp Fiction, increases the tension as does the ominous drumming and haunting Hammond.

‘071' the title track returns us to the mellower picked guitars whilst Amy sings 07171 717171. The phone number of an ex-lover? Or perhaps the local Chinese take away? Unfortunately I have no idea.

‘Oh' sounds so familiar I just can't place it, but then it hits me. The music is mostly a photostat copy of Billy Bragg's ‘Waiting For The Great Leap Forwards' (brilliant song). In fact Amy's voice also reminds me of another personal favourite, the late great Kirsty MacColl. She has the same longing sincerity that slowly but surely will win you over.

Check in, rest your head on the fluffy pillows and realise the comfort of Paris Motel.