Broadside, an alternative pop-punk trio from Richmond, has released a ravishing yet devastating album, “Hotel Bleu.” The 11-track record takes you through an excursion of emotions, weaving you through the thick weeds of despair, loss, and vulnerability, and out to frolic through the large expanse of love and solace. Full of voltaic synths, dynamic riffs, passionate lyrics, and addictive hooks, this album will leave you delirious and seeing stars.
Since their debut in 2010, the Broadside triad has been blooming and expanding through the years. Consisting of Oliver Baxxter on vocals, Domenic Reid on guitar, and Patrick Diaz on bass, the group has been flourishing with each release. This work of art is no different, showing the natural progression and maturation they experienced as a band. “Hotel Bleu” reflects their growth both individually and together.
The record starts off with a bang with the track “Stranger.” The lively drums and feverish guitar fill the room with excitement and force you to dance and bang your head. This mixed with the compelling vocals and insane riffs creates a song that courses energy through your veins. Bursting with power and emotion, the track swells towards the end and concludes with an intensity that leaves you feeling godlike.
Throughout the album, each track builds you up. With every beat and riff that plays, you’re filled with promise. The three collaboration tracks on this record each have their own distinct energy that mix with the different artists (Brian Butcher of The Home Team, Josh Roberts of Magnolia Park, and Devin Papadol of Honey Revenge) seamlessly.
The final song, “Bleu” is the perfect way to end the record. The track is heart-rending, it brings tears to your eyes and causes a beautiful pain in your chest. Full of acoustic guitar, you can hear the emotion in Baxxter’s voice and can’t help but resonate with the despair felt in the melody. Supported by the hopeful feeling that comes with the conclusion of the track and the album, you’re filled with complex and paradoxical emotions that can only be comforted by the lyrics in the song.
“Hotel Bleu” is an album unlike any other, it makes you feel every intense experience and emotion portrayed in each track. You’re left feeling conflicted, excited yet muddled as you go to replay the record again, and again.
Broadside will be playing some of these tracks live as they tour with This Wild Life, Worry Club, and Not My Weekend this fall. The tour began on Nov. 1 in Arizona, before going around the country and finishing on Dec. 9 in Texas
