Noise Hotel's ‘Sweet Talk’ speaks to the endearing summer feels of indie rock
The Toronto band once again makes their music scene proud with their latest song
Noise Hotel's latest track "Sweet Talk" is a worthwhile song to add to your summer playlist. (Submitted)
Noise Hotel made a hefty name for themselves with their debut album Poolside Fantasy last year and several new concerts in Ontario. After their career flourished in Ottawa’s indie scene, the band only got bigger, continuing their momentum in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Recently, they gave us music made for summer break with their latest single “Sweet Talk.”
While I do still prefer their previous piece “Can’t Go On,” there’s nice takeaways from “Sweet Talk” that make it worthwhile for your music palette as summer approaches.
The song has feel-good vibes that make it worth listening to at least once, but “Can’t Go On” has the light sensations of indie rock mixed with a punk-like broodiness that still appeals to me just a bit more. Having said that, the breezy vibes and nostalgic tones of “Sweet Talk” make it perfect to hear on a vintage portable radio at the beach.
The single starts with a softly resonating guitar hook, only to give way to a quick cymbal flourish before a sudden hit on the snare drum that signals to listeners that their summer travels have begun.
The charming lead vocals, tight drum set beats, fuzzy guitar riffs, and accentuating bass guitar create a light and soothing tone fitting for a road trip indie drama. We follow a 20-something main character driving to his euphoric summer vacation. His window is down, and the song plays as the coastal winds whistle past him. Noise Hotel provides this beautiful escapism, and we’re better people because of it.
My favourite part of the song is a guitar solo with harder drum hits following each chord. The screechy yet controlled electric wails of the guitar convey the self-contained turmoil we feel when a relationship faces uncertainty but also a need to face it with maturity.
The lyrics speak of rollercoasters as a metaphor for making the hard choice to talk things out, even when it’s easier and simpler to just walk away. The band tells a story about the emotional fallout of fractured communication met by our desperate attempts to resolve it. Will an answer ever be found? Noise Hotel leaves it to us to find out.
If the song has proven anything, there’s always something special about Noise Hotel. It’s not just their velvet-clad fashion sense. It’s their laidback instrument arrangements and down-to-earth attitudes behind every song they make. The band promises that your care-free experiences are in good hands.
While I’m still waiting for them to crank out a new album, Noise Hotel’s newest song proves why the Toronto indie scene remains a bustling hub for Canadian artists. If relaxing music is what you need for your outdoor hangouts by the pool or road trips heading for fantastical destinations, listen to Noise Hotel’s “Sweet Talk.” What are you waiting for? Summer begins now.
“Sweet Talk” can be streamed on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and other music platforms.
