Crown Plaza
CROWN PLAZA RELEASE SELF-TITLED DEBUT LP
SoCal dream-pop outfit Crown Plaza dropped their debut album, Crown Plaza, in the middle of November. On their Facebook page, the band refers to their sound as “airport electronic pop,” an apt description.
Crown Plaza
According to their Bandcamp page, "Nima Kazerouni launched Crown Plaza back in the halcyon days of 2012, fresh off a breakup that led to his living, temporarily, in a space near LAX with a view of the Crowne Plaza hotel. He called it “airport-inspired electronic breakup music” back then; the music has since evolved into breezy and often melancholy psych-pop — dream-pop for solitary afternoons at the beach."
Crown Plaza comprises Nima Kazerouni (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards), Christina Galliard (vocals, drums), Martin Roark (bass), and James Roehl (lead guitar).
With nine-tracks, the LP begins with “Reactor,” a new wave-flavored dream-pop tune riding a delicious rhythm. Kaz’s voice, creamy and rich, infuses the lyrics with soft supple textures. I love the gleaming actinic tones of the guitar, vaguely reminiscent of The Cure merged with Depeche Mode.
Galliard’s whispery background vocals add exquisite indulgent suffusions to the song, wistful and oh so enchanting.
Outstanding tracks include “Staring At The Wall,” with its undulating surface colors, accented by Roehl’s dazzling guitar work. The harmonics flow on gossamer layers, delivering a scrumptious soundscape, tantalizing and alluring.
“L.A. to Seattle” travels on a smooth, buttery stream of sound. Galliard’s luminous tones provide yummy harmonies, giving Kazerouni’s lead voice tendrils of luster. The new wave savors of “You Seem Better” make it a wonderful listening experience, akin to The Cure, only more fragile and delicately tinted.
“No Need To Shout” rides a delectable groove, as Galliard demonstrates her finessed drumming. The jangle of Roehl’s guitar imbues the tune with delightful textures and washes of color. “Chem Waves” exudes pop-lite aspects atop gently stuttering guitars chock-full of gossamer dream-pop essence. Galliard’s whispery background vocals add exquisite indulgent suffusions to the song, wistful and oh so enchanting.
Crown Plaza is definitely going on my Top Ten Albums of the year, simply because it’s so lusciously velvety and wonderfully gorgeous.
