Search - Left Hand Smoke :: At The Hotel

At the Hotel is the long-awaited fourth studio effort from Seattle rock powerhouse Left Hand Smoke. Produced by Stevie Adamek, former member of legendary Seattle new-wave outfit The Allies, At the Hotel features ten powerful new tracks that capture Left Hand Smoke at a pivotal point in their career: after early critical success and ensuing relentless roadwork with their high-energy, rootsy, traveling salvation show, the band felt it time to show the world another side of LHS. Although Left Hand Smoke has become known for its original blend of rootsy rock music, the band has always had strong pop tendencies. Looking for a producer that would understand the change in direction the group was seeking on the new record, they turned to long-time Northwest producer Stevie Adamek. Known for his musicality and songwriting know-how, the multi-instrumentalist Adamek immediately recognized the band?s ability to command and galvanize an audience. Given the right treatment, he knew that energy could be transferred to record. During much of the following year, band leader and vocalist Ben Mish and guitarist Ronan O?Mahony holed up in their Seattle band-house and crafted the songs that would become At the Hotel with a 4-track, an old 3-piece drum kit, an out-of-tune piano, an electric guitar and a 10-watt amp. Mish and O?Mahony dug deep into their vault of pop and rock sensibilities and crafted a compact, finely-tuned album that demonstrates the evolution and maturity of this formidable rock band. In May of 2005, the band entered the studio with 20 songs and the idea that it was time to create the album they had always wanted to make. Incorporating the elements LHS perfected on the road?the infectious power of a hip-hop groove, the driving force of cranked guitars, and the galvanizing effect of a soaring chorus? they got to work with Adamek. Some months later, At the Hotel emerged, paving the way toward a new musical direction. As one can expect from any LHS release, At the Hotel features brilliant lyrical play and whimsical storytelling from Mish, evident in songs like ?Too Late, Too Late,? and the bombastic ?Rock n?Roll Salvation?. Meanwhile, older brother Will Mish?s guitar work continues to be the beacon of hope for the rebirth of the classic guitar hero. But what?s new here is a more mature, concise approach, one brimming with catchy melodies and well-crafted hooks. Like all great bands that continuously push into new territory and evolve their sound, LHS has shown on record that they can embrace their past, while celebrating what will surely be a bright future.