Artist – Motel Sundown
Single – Waterfall
Released – 29th March 2024
Reviewer – Helen Maw, Liverpool Acoustic
One of the most exciting bands on the Merseyside scene, Motel Sundown have captivated audiences since their formation in 2018. Influenced by artists such as The Beatles, Paul Simon and Fleetwood Mac to name a few, the Americana, harmony band consisting of three songwriters, Karen Turley, Naomi Campbell and Robert Johnson have been playing shows across the UK both as a full band and as an acoustic trio, playing support slots for both local and international artists such as The Hanging Stars, Ashley Campbell, The Chapin Sisters and more recently, US Grammy nominated artist Courtney Marie Andrews.
In June 2023 the band performed at Black Deer festival alongside Bonnie Raitt, The Pretenders and Allison Russell. In Summer 2023 Motel Sundown played shows across the UK including Birmingham, Kent, London and Manchester before finishing up at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall’s Open Day in September.
The band have been releasing singles from their new EP, due out this summer. One of these singles is Waterfall.
With their signature, silky smooth harmonies and guitars, Waterfall opens with a catchy vocal hook, the rhythm guitar floating gently. There is a melancholic beauty to the song, the heartfelt lyrics are captivating and tell a story we can all relate to. There is a sense of longing in the vocals, the emotions evident.
The instrumentation is subtle in the track, the vocals being allowed to rightly shine. However, the instruments get their moment later in the song with a misty, soaring instrumental.
The lead guitar sings here with echoes of harmonica before the chorus returns. Remnant of hazy summer evenings, Waterfall lulls you into a peaceful rest as you listen.
With Waterfalls, Motel Sundown presents a stunning dreamscape of sound and showcases a more tender side to their music. If this single is anything to go by, the rest of the EP is sure to be incredible!
Helen Maw
Review © 2024 Helen Maw, Liverpool Acoustic
Waterfalls is available to buy from all good digital download sites.
Motel Sundown’s next show is at the Music Room on Sunday 14th April 2024, with support from The Goudies. Tickets are £14 & £17 from liverpoolphil.com