Album Name: Hotel de Ville
Artist: Hotel de Ville
Year/Label: 2006 / Ex Directory
Review by Anna Maria Stjärnell
Hotel de Ville is a solo project by Rhett Brewer. He makes atmospheric, filmic music that reminds me of Cocteau Twins. The unearthly vocal is kin to Antony and David McAlmont.
Brewer summons forth new vistas on “Unexpected Rain” a song that drifts by like a gust of wind. His unique voice lives up to the epithet “angelic” if anything does on this Earth.
“The Richer, the Poorer” is sweet and soulful, Brewer’s yearning vocal set against a subtle backing.
“Hymn to the Forsaken” becomes a twin to David Sylvian’s “Forbidden Colours”.
“Stay” is pleadingly sweet all calm and piano passages.
This is a remarkable record.
Posted on June 25, 2006
Track Listing
Listen to track samples
1. Millennia
2. Unexpected Rain
3. The Richer, the Poorer
4. Fear of Flying
5. In the Moment
6. Hymn to the Forsaken
7. Full Circle
8. Stay
9. Thinnest Thread of My Heart
10. The Uncertain Smile
11. Feeling the Cold
12. Celestial Call