Wish Hotel

Warped and somewhat jangly, synthy psychedelia. 2013's The Flower Lane saw Ducktails' lead songwriter Matthew Mondanile veering harshly towards 70s soft rock grooves and full band synthy/organ pop music with his formerly solo, phasered-out, flangered-psych-drone Ducktails project. As guitarist in the increasingly successful band, Real Estate, the mainstreamification was jarring but not shocking. This EP was recorded near the tail end of the promotion cycle and finds Mondanile back in his bedroom without the band, reuniting with his pedals and layered, cut/paste, experimental lo-fi production techniques. Also new is the incorporation of jazz influences. This step back "out" is really enjoyable for someone clearly adept in both worlds - performing at Lollapalooza and for the Not Not Fun crowd.

*1. Hazy groove, cymbal riding, 60s-loving bedroom anthem. (5:01)
2. Swirling kaleidoscopic flower power 4/4 horns and joyful pop. (3:23)
*3. Mid tempo rock, slightly driving with lengthy guitar solo. (5:04)
4. “jazz” is the title, definitely an experiment for the pop musician. Cyclical structures, hammered-on acoustic melodies, and off-kilter toms. (3:33)
5. Synthy, fluttering instrumental. (3:16)