Greta Salpeter Goes Solo With Gold Motel
By Sarah Cobarrubias in Arts & Entertainment on Dec 21, 2009 8:30PM
We first heard Greta Salpeter's rich, resounding voice back in 2004 when she started Chicago-based indie-quartet the Hush Sound, serving as pianist and co-vocalist. Sure their music was such bitter-sweet pop it could make your mouth pucker, but they had a knack for writing mesmerizing narrative songs that you could bop your head to. The band declared hiatus back in April, but Salpeter hasn't just been slumming around her new California home since then. With the year coming to a close, she's returned to the scene in full force with her solo project, Gold Motel.
At first we weren't sure if sweet little Greta could carry a band vocally on her own. After all, in the past she was usually accompanied by Hush Sound's lead man Bob Morris, and while she was the main vocalist for the band's latest album, Goodbye Blues, it was also incidentally their weakest effort. But Gold Motel has really allowed Salpeter to prove herself as a strong solo artist, rather than just the pretty half of an ensemble. Aside from releasing an EP by the same name - a solid collection of feet-moving beats and powerful prose - the new band is scheduled to play a lineup of sold out shows.
Last night was their first performance as well as Salpeter's first time on stage in eight months. The set started out with equipment trouble, delaying the set an extra 20 minutes while the band waited nervously on stage. The crowd grew restless, but just when people began to heckle, the mic turned on, and a simple "Hey everyone" from Salpeter threw the crowd into a joyous uproar. She opened with "Make Me Stay," a high-energy melody from the EP that had the audience clapping along and set the mood for the rest of the show.
The rest of set list included a few new songs that will be featured on the future full length album, such as "Sunshine All Night," an East Coast inspired tune that involves an orange as an instrument (she shakes it like a maraca), and "Stealing the Moonlight," a harmonious duet with guitarist, Dan Duszynski. But the highlight of the show was her performance of "Who Will I Be Tonight," a slow paced ballad with a whimsical tone. The band turned down the intensity and allowed us to really experience the vocals. Salpeter closed her eyes and let loose in to the mic in an emotional display more organic and sincere than anything we've heard from her before.
It would be great if the Hush Sound got back together eventually, but maybe Salpeter needs to stay solo for a while. Even though she's been musically trained her entire life, this is just the beginning of her career, and her sound is really starting to evolve into something all her own. And with her creative, youthful spirit and uncontainable talent, who knows where her next project will lead her.