Motelas - Rainbow Tapes (2023)

A pleasant surprise the discovery of this quartet that makes good American rock with different sonic flashes! However, they are veterans of the Basque scene. In fact, their musicians had already visited our website since they have been in bands like Lau Behi or Luma. Other bands they have been in are Los Patos, Blues Stop or The Amendois.

They debuted 2 years ago with a ”Sunset Tapes" practically recorded live, but they themselves are more satisfied with what they achieved in “Rainbow Tapes”. By the way, if you stop by www.hotsak.com , you will see that they continue to bring out the best blues-rock proposals. In fact, the Galician Victor Aneiros has several outstanding albums on the label, although this time he brings us a great "Rain" with the Martins Aneiros Band, as he is accompanied by the great voice of Paula Martins. Of course, together with Paula they open up to other sonorities outside the blues such as soul, funk and rock. Good versions of the famous ‘Knock On Wood’ and the great harmonica player of Alligator, Rick Estrin.

But let's get down to business with the Motels, lest they get nervous. They start with the brave and guitar-driven sound of a ’Rainbow Woman', also with a good vocal melody and with a point close to the highly recommended Drive-By Truckers. According to his label his ‘Love Spiral’ has a Wilco feel. They change continents with a 'Take It Easy' whose riffs, choruses and Txenan's good punting reminds us of the Rolling Stones, now back. Echoes to Neil Young in the beautiful slow ‘Got It’, a song with those successful riffs and a very marked great bass. The echoes to Neil we have also in the final 'Devin Inside'. A song with good final points but in which the voice seems to lack a little strength for the theme. He is closer to a J.J. Cale, usually more relaxed. They surprise in 'Aurpegia’ with a good Hammond organ and the rhythm section showing their great power. Nice choruses on this topic, by the way. 'Summer Street' has another powerful entrance beat and a catchy chorus.