petal motel

I Wish I Could See You by Nora Nygard A stunning portrait of grief, loss, and isolation, Nora Nygard’s I Wish I Could See You is a finale to her epic body of work in this genre, after spending the last five years releasing over 300 ambient and drone pieces. The 40-minute piece piece begins tense and anxious, looming heavily, and gives way to something lighter, something emergent. Nora’s hushed…

We are delighted to kick off the new year with mystical new sounds from Andy Aquarius. His EP Holy Rude was one of our top listens last year, and his upcoming album Golla Gorroppu (out March 2024 via Hush Hush Records) promises more enchantment. The first single “Waters Above, Waters Below” is enigmatic, haunting, and ethereal, like all his music. Golla Gorroppu features his astounding harpistry, and angelic vocals, both…

Rosali Middleman has returned with the announcement of a new record, out 3/22 via Merge, and made in Omaha with David Nance (bass, guitar), James Schroeder (guitar, synth), Kevin Donahue (drums, percussion), and Ted Bois (keys). Rosali’s magnificent voice soars in the lead single, and the musicality is timeless. I am obsessed and can’t wait to hear the rest of this album. “Rewind” is an instant classic. Pre-ordering the album…

So pleased to share an exclusive video from Lee Gallagher and the Hallelujah’s new album, The Falcon Ate The Flower, out today! Lee has been a long-time Petal Motel favorite with his unique and soaring vocals, and canyon rock and roll sensibilities mixed with psychedelic folk respect. The album’s credits are stacked with more favorites, with production and engineering by Jason Soda and mastering by JJ Golden. Jonny Niemann, of…

A few years ago, Andrew Collberg released an excellent album called 1986 and I’m thrilled at the news that he’s to release a new one, Popcorn Graveyard, featuring the guitar and pedal steel prowess of LA-based Connor Gallaher (who’s played with Calexico, Pearl Charles, Anna St. Louis, and Jeffrey Silverstein) and the result is gorgeous, like Mac DeMarco meets Roxy Music. “Temporary Cruise” is reminiscent of a surfy Magnetic Fields’…

Today The Answers in Between, formerly known as Fell From the Tree, release a pair of power pop sad girl dance tracks with evocative lyrics, exploring the relationship between desire and identity in different ways. I read a book recently with the brilliant line “do I want your body or do I want your body?” which brought Hannah’s quote to mind immediately. Cigarette by The Answers In Between In Hannah’s…

More front range rock is on the horizon with the release of Aaron Dooley’s The International Disassociation Of:, out October 6th on the always amazing Centripetal Force label, with cassettes available through the also incredible Island House records. Bassist and composer Aaron Dooley rounded up an epic ensemble of musicians to make something blurring the lines of spiritual jazz, high lonesome ambient country, and improvisational drone. Upon first listen, Westbound…