SXSW Profile: Hotel Lights

Former Ben Folds Five drummer Darren Jessee launched the piano-heavy pop group Hotel Lights in 2002, though it took two more years to record and self-release their debut album. I don't know BFF very well, but Hotel Lights sounds more straight-ahead, less quirky than what I've heard from the older group. This is pretty, mellow pop with a folk tinge that won't rock your world but will make you feel good. (If very slightly drowsy.) [Review 1, 2; interview]

They've just finished a brief tour with Tift Merritt (including her post-Grammy ceremony return to the Cat's Cradle). Before their SXSW show, they play this Friday as part of an Elliott Smith tribute at the Cat's Cradle.

MP3: "You Come and I Go"
MP3: "Miles Behind Me"
MP3: "I Am a Train"
--oh, they do have electric guitars!
MP3: "Small Town Shit"
(from Hotel Lights, self-released 2004. Buy it here.)