Hotel California – Trust (2021)

Named after the popular song by The Eagles, Hotel California is an Americana meets folk-pop group from Iceland. Originally formed in 2009, the group released their debut album The New Sound of Folk – still enjoyed by many today. Following a bit of a hiatus, the band started pumping out original material in 2020 with the well-received ‘Fuck Yourself’.

When Covid-19 hit, many musicians took time to reflect on their music and hone their sound – well, they couldn’t gig or even leave the house. Over the last seven months, Hotel California’s singer-songwriter Daniel Green wrote 24 songs touching on topics like friendship, children, society and self-expression. The track we’re looking at today is ‘Trust’.

The second track of 2021, ‘Trust’ is a high-paced song incorporating the intimacy of Simon & Garfunkel with the bounce of The Fratellis. Infectious from the first second, the upbeat instrumentation inspires toe-tapping and dancing (even if you don’t dance); however, the lilt prompting a folksy guitar/ukelele solo takes one step back from the “knees up” vibe. Not suppressing the festiveness of the track in any way, the instrumental dip (accompanied by a break in vocals) is evocative making you appreciate the harmonies that tiny bit more.

Reminiscent of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young from a melodic perspective, Green’s rich vocals superbly execute the witty lyricism. While there seems to be a whimsicalness to the track, the tenderness of the concept is enhanced with a John Denver-esque intimacy. Robust and vivacious, ‘Trust’ is a triumph for Hotel California and I can’t wait to see what else lies in store!

“A song about trusting your child maybe a little more. These little guys have to grow up and they will – maybe even better if we let them drive their sledge a little faster from time to time.” – Hotel California on ‘Trust’

For more from Hotel California check out their Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Spotify.