Jet Lag Motel are a rock band who are new to us, and relatively new to the scene, but have an assured style which suggests they’re old hands at music.
By Graeme Smith
The band, consisting of Brian Salmon, Steven Jasik, and a cast of friends and collaborators, has risen out of San Antonio, Texas, USA, an area of the world pretty far removed from our British shores. Yet, there’s a universality to their sound which makes them feel closer to home.
Not least because one of the tracks of their debut, self-produced EP is called London Pub, but we’ll get to that later.
No Vacancy proves an intoxicating introduction to the rock outfit. With the six-track collection, Jet Lag Motel bring classic swagger and hard rock with a soft edge.
Lyrically, the EP explores themes such as everyday struggles and finding a way through it with love. Record opener Better Place tees these themes up nicely. Light harmonies in the chorus show us the band’s heart, and we are instantly hooked.
Mexico injects a little Latin flair (San Antonio sits in the southern part of Texas, not far from the US’s border with the track’s titular country.) There are echoes of Santana and Rob Thomas’s Smooth in it, as well as a throwback sound adjacent to The Mamas and The Papas.
Neither comparison is exact. Aside from generically calling Jet Lag Motel ‘rock’ their sound is difficult to pigeonhole, especially as they show different sides of it across the EP.
Never Again slows things down for a heartbreak ballad about rediscovering one’s confidence after a toxic relationship while the aforementioned London Pub shows the band’s softer side through a storytelling effort.
Jet Lag Motel saves the best for last with jangly closer One. Its killer riff makes it a standout, as does its powerful lyrical message. Licks of Hammond Organ give it that authentic Americana style, feeling equal parts nostalgic, fresh, and groovy.
This is a band that’s starting out with momentum. Another EP is already planned for release this summer, and it’s clear Jet Lag Motel have the drive, passion, and talent to make a name for themselves. I’ll be keeping a close eye on them.
If you want to keep up to date with all they’re doing as well, you can by following them on Instagram and YouTube.
No Vacancy is out now, and you can listen to it below.
