The Black Hotels release debut album "Films for the next century"
Johannesburg indie rockers The Black Hotels have released their debut album FILMS FOR THE NEXT CENTURY. The album was recorded in November last year at the SABC and was produced by fellow band member Matthew Fink.
Formed in June 2006, the group's first release, a five-track EP titled Beautiful Mornings, made them one of the most critically acclaimed South African indie bands of 2007 and 2008. SL Magazine gave it a rating of 88% and FHM, People Magazine and 24.com gave the record 4 Stars. GQ Magazine listed the EP in its Top 15 records of 2007.
Beautiful Mornings contained the singles Natalie and Beautiful Mornings, both of which were play-listed on radio stations across the country. Beautiful Mornings also features on the soundtrack of the just-released full length feature film White Wedding, starring Kenneth Nkosi, Rapulana Seiphemo and British actress Jodie Whittaker.
During the past two and a half years the band's rigorous touring and gig schedule has seen them feature on the XBox Summer Fest 2007, both Oppikoppi August and Easter festivals, The Unplugged Festival 2008, The Powerzone Summer Tour 2008, On The Night festival and Earth Hour Johannesburg 2009.
The band's music has been described as a mixture of indie rock and alt-country, with components of their sound compared to Arcade Fire, Interpol, The Go Betweens and R.E.M. The music video for the first single off the new album is currently on rotation on MTV Base and MK89 and can be viewed on You Tube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCgd-vVKFsc.
"Currently the most authentic, original and exciting rock band in SA.” The Star Tonight
Website: www.blackhotels.co.za
