Rose Hotel - “Not Like That”

Photo by Logan White

For those of you who hanker for a hunk of dark Americana, without the worry of it edging too closely to the realm of alt-country, we’ve got just the song for you. Atlanta-based singer-songwriter Jordan Reynolds, aka Rose Hotel, has just released the enchantingly cinematic sounds of “Not Like That,” a tune that cozies right up to our gritty preferences for the genre.

Reynolds does not mess around with this one, immediately incorporating a rich and robust arrangement that features a host of our favorite sounds. Drums gently bust out a relaxed shuffle, with a bass that soars quite melodically, both doing their part to round out the rhythm section. The resounding notes of piano keys join forces with a lap steel to fill in any remaining spaces, ultimately resulting in an elegant and dreamy soundscape.

We’re not quite sure whether Rose Hotel picked up on our beacon that requested music akin to Sharon Van Etten, but if Reynold’s vocal is the last we get to hear before the world ends, we really do not care about the aftermath. She’s been blessed with a voice that convincingly and authentically fills our ears with lyrics that deeply resonate, especially if you’ve ever witnessed the deterioration of a friendship.

Midpoint brings an uptick in the rhythm and a truly delightful vocal harmony, followed by a highlight on the steel guitar, with bass providing runs and fills for days. All of this makes for one hell of a dynamic production, never once falling victim to the shiny polish of a mainstream production. “Not Like That” traverses a dark and gritty path, much like that of its subject matter, and we simply cannot get enough of it.

Keep your eyes peeled for Rose Hotel’s new album, A Pawn Surrender, out June 7, 2024 via Strolling Bones Records.

-HD