Carl Jordan has THAT voice. You know, the one that sounds like Gavin Rosdale after he’s taken 40 No-Doz. It’s that raspy yet emotionally pleasing tone you might recognize with the likes of Pete Droge or Eels, the former heavyweight champions of obscurity-laced pop. But, it’s time to step aside Mr. E. The Western States Motel is here to bring oddball power pop back in a big way with their ultra catchy track “The Cliff”.

This song is that love lost, then found, then kicked to the curb, then left in a sobbing limbo of begging and frustration when you are alone type of song. It’s simply undeniable how much tracks like these affect us. It’s also undeniable that these guys have taken the baton of this blissful idea, and ran further than their predecessors could have ever imagined.

The Western States Motel: The Cliff [mp3]

Written by Fense

I want to say I’ve heard about The Western States Motel, but I cannot recall with any certainty whether that’s true or not. If I have heard of them prior to receiving their Painted Birds Flying In The Orange Mirror Sun EP in the mail, I can say that I haven’t heard their music before. But, listening to “Stampede” now through my headphones, it’s immediately apparent that I like what I’m hearing.

The Western States Motel is a generic blend of folk, pop, and rock; there’s little new or innovative here. That, of course, doesn’t really mean much, other than the fact that if you dig such music, you’ll likely dig this. And if you’re looking for something a bit more out there, you probably won’t.

While the generic element can be a bit unexciting at times, there are plenty of moments in each song that are intriguing. That alone is enough to warrant at least one listen. Go ahead… try it out.

The Western States Motel: Oh World [mp3]