Review: Hotel Fiction delivers some of their very best in an exciting, lighthearted sophomore album that builds on their unique dreamy pop-rock sound.

Hotel Fiction has taken more than a few steps forward in their musical evolution since the release of their debut full-length, “Soft Focus” in 2021 with a follow up EP, “Enjoy your Stay” in 2022. Now, Hotel Fiction delivers some of their very best in an exciting, lighthearted sophomore album that builds on their unique dreamy pop-rock sound.

Jade Long and Jessica Thompson’s harmonies complement each other very well in their new album, especially in songs like “Next Life” and “Margot” that focus on the pair’s raw vocals. The album’s lightheartedness shines through in many ways but particularly via the duo’s heartfelt lyricism. “Let’s live this life together, and maybe I'll see you in the next one too”. One of the recurring themes in this album is time moving fast and the challenges that come with that. “Had a lot of youth didn't know how to live it”. 

The very first track, “Ghost of Me”, starts with a gentle melody that quickly speeds up to set the exciting tone for the rest of the album. The next song being the title track, “Staring at the Sun”, keeps the dreamy throughline going with an eerie rock tone followed by one of my favorite songs, a lighthearted tune about longing for“Sunrise” or possibly even someone that could remind the writer of sunrise. “Sunrise, why’d you have to go so soon. Sometimes, I wish every moment was with you”. 

Photo: Garrett Cardoso

The first single they released for the album was “Still Frozen”, a song about conquering your fears and dealing with anxiety. “Hit the brakes but we’re still going, you’re on fire and I’m still frozen”. I think it was an excellent first single to roll out because it is highly relatable, plus it introduces you to a taste of how their sound has evolved since their debut in 2019. The album ends wonderfully with “Why Do Good Things Have to End”, A very upbeat tune about how good things come and go as fast as they happen which is very fitting because when this song comes around on the record you’ll want to hear more of the pair's antics. “Let’s start over… we’ll do it all again”. 

I did get a chance recently to catch one of Hotel Fiction’s sets. Although they did not play many songs off their new record, as they seemed to be saving a lot of them for their upcoming Staring at the Sun tour, they did however, fit in fan-favorites “Still Frozen'' and “Next Life” and the performances from each of the band members did not disappoint; they sound just like the record live which is what every band or artist strives for and you can tell they love the music they're playing. To say the least, I am looking forward to hearing more of their new songs live, like “Margot” and “Sunrise”.

With the release of their sophomore album, “Staring at the Sun”, Hotel Fiction has planted themselves as one of the main faces of not just Athens’, but Atlanta’s sound as well. Well worth a listen, Hotel Fiction offers some very welcome additions to their discography, almost doubling what was there before, in a lively full-length that expands on their distinctive dreamy pop-rock sound.