Loucas Bretz’s “Hotel Melody” is a moody and atmospheric instrumental rock track that evokes the feeling of being in a dimly-lit, upscale hotel bar in the middle of winter. The guitar-driven melodies are obscure yet catchy, backed by groovy basslines and drums that create a sense of tension and anticipation. The addition of synths, piano, and strings give the track a full and rich sound, making it feel almost orchestral. The inspiration from Arctic Monkey’s “Tranquility Hotel Base & Casino” and Serge Gainsbourg’s “Melody Nelson” is evident in the dark and brooding vibe of the track, making it a perfect soundtrack for introspective nights spent in contemplation.
Bretz dexterity on the strings is what sets the song apart, a moody and lackadaisical energy that’s also just flooded with such an innate sense of skilfulness and robustness in its precision that you’re transfixed to every chord and strum. Powerful with its restraint, “Hotel Melody” is so much more than your average lounge instrumental song. It’s got character, charm, and spark in droves on droves.