Entertainment

BAND CRUSH: GOLD MOTEL

check in to some sundrenched california-inspired power pop.

by liza darwin

Whether or not you realized it at the time, you've probably heard Gold Motel. After all, this Chicago-based quintet (fronted by The Hush Sound keyboardist/vocalist Greta Salpeter) have already been featured on commercials for Crayola, Labello, and more than one NYLON TV video. Since we're already certified fans of their 60s-inspired, easygoing sound, we figured it was time to officially crown them our latest Band Crush.

Chalk it up to the Vitamin D surge that occurred when Salpeter temporarily moved to L.A. after The Hush Sound went on hiatus, but Gold Motel specializes in the kind of music that makes us long for lazy beach days and drives with the windows down. In other words, it's total sunshine dreaming.

Their debut album, the aptly titled Summer House, is filled with breezy, bouncy tracks like "Perfect In My Mind" and "We're On The Run" that have strummy guitar riffs, Rilo Kiley-esque melodies, and a refreshingly exuberant vibe. It may only be April, but we've already found our summer soundtrack.

Watch "Safe in LA" below, and hear more Gold Motel here!