Nights At The Surf Motel
Big H, 2021
9/10
Listen to Nights At The Surf Motel
The sophomore album from the bluesman Håkon Høye, who, along with his co-writer Bill Troiani, brings us a handful of original tunes that are soaked in blues, rock and Americana flavor on Nights At The Surf Motel
“Junkyard Of Dreams” opens the listen with Høye’s spirited guitars alongside playful keys as a fluid blues climate unfolds with rawness and melody, and “Stay Awhile” follows with a soulful quality that’s got plenty of poetic singing amid the subdued beauty.
Arriving near the middle, "Good Thing” offers more firm drumming that highlights the warm backing vocals, while “You Must Believe Me” bounces and shakes with a busy, festive feel that’s got plenty of rhythm packed into the fun. “My Darkest Hours”, perhaps the album’s best, then resides in timeless, powerful blues which interacts with the drumming with much precision.
Close to the end, “Wastin’ My Time With You” moves smoothly with a toe tappin’, head bobbin’ demeanor that you can’t help but enjoy, and “Nights At The Surf Motel” exits the listen with much emotion as Høye’s eloquent singing is met with skittering keys, absorbing guitar and well timed drumming.
Per Tobro plays bass on the listen and Vetle Larsen sits behind the drum kit, though there’s many other guest spots, too, and together they help produce a very eclectic and timeless blues affair that places Høye front and center as an artist we should all be paying close attention to.
Travels well with: Mike Zito- Resurrection; Sean Chambers- That’s What I’m Talkin About