With the new year comes new music, and one of the latest bands to emerge on Stoke-on-Trent’s music scene is indie lads Hotel Cola, who have kicked off January with their debut single: Different Now You’re Gone.
The four-piece outfit describe themselves as ‘the band you and your dad like’, with a sound characterised by reverb drenched guitars and dazy melodies.
Different Now You’re Gone blends elements of beloved Britpop with contemporary indie sensibilities, opening with a gentle fuzzy riff that immediately evokes a dreamy atmosphere and a sonic aesthetic reminiscent of Jaws and October Drift.
The track unfolds with a deliberate pace, slow and wistful, the verses ‘telling the tale of ditching the monkey on your back, only to realise the grass isn’t always greener.’ Introspective lyrics and the lush instrumental textures make for an immersive listen that, by the chorus, has cast a hazy spell that envelops the listener.
“For a long time, guitar music wasn’t cool”, they said, with members having previously been in bands that made an effort to fit in with the scene. But with Hotel Cola, the band is striving for a more timeless appeal, adding: “We make the kind of music we loved in our formative years and that stood the test of time. For me, that’s if you can stick them on at a family do and your old man is tapping his foot.”
Different Now You’re Gone is a testament to the band’s ability to capture raw emotion within a tranquil soundscape, infusing chilled indie vibes with Hotel Cola’s unique touch. The reverb-soaked guitar work, coupled with the band’s earnest storytelling, makes it an incredibly strong debut single.
Striking a balance of DIY authenticity and refined musical craftsmanship, Different Now You’re Gone is a promising introduction to Hotel Cola – a band that feels ready-made for festival stages. Bring on the next one.
Released January 12, 2024, listen to Different Now You’re Gone by Hotel Cola here: