Waves of Nostalgia: RALLY’s “Songs From A Hotel Room”

RALLY released their debut album, “Songs From A Hotel Room,” on Sept. 27. This collection promises to be an auditory exploration of transient experiences, juxtaposing the joy of adventure with the bittersweet nature of memories.

Hailing from Salt Lake City, RALLY comprises musicians Alec (vocals and guitar), Duncan (bass), Sean (drums) and Mark (lead guitar and keys). Each brings a distinct flair to their collaborative sound. Their journey began with a casual outreach to create a new project and a serendipitous double booking during auditions to find new members. “RALLY is just a group of four friends that make music together at the end of the day,” said RALLY.

Their music is rooted in nostalgic influences, with a particular fondness for surf rock and indie vibes reminiscent of California’s sun-soaked landscapes. Drawing inspiration from artists like The Beach Boys, Hippocampus and Dayglow, RALLY crafts songs that evoke the sensation of road trips, adventures, and the joy of being alive. 

Melodies of Connection and Disconnection

In a recent conversation, RALLY shared their excitement and personal connection to “Songs From A Hotel Room,” describing it as a deep exploration of the dualities of life and travel. The band crafted the album to reflect the complexities of human emotions, as they navigate the bittersweet nature of being away from home.

In our interview, they explained, “The album has an A side and a B side, which we’ve titled ‘dayside’ and ‘night side.’ I think sonically, the first half of the album is a little bit brighter and sounds more positive, whereas the second half is almost a little bit darker. I think it kind of focuses on these two sides to this idea of traveling.” The juxtaposition of the album’s two sides reflects the band’s belief that neither positivity nor negativity is inherently better; rather, both are essential components of the human experience.

As RALLY begins to delve into emotional themes, the night side of the album encapsulates the challenges we face traveling through life. “You can kind of get value out of the good times and the bad times in your life,” they noted. This record encourages listeners to find meaning in every moment, whether joyful or sorrowful. This duality serves as a reminder that both sides of our journeys are equally significant in shaping who we are.

“Songs From A Hotel Room” is akin to driving down the coast. The rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the shore mingles with the melodies flowing from your speakers. As you cruise down scenic routes lined with mountains and beaches, the cool wind brushes against your face, and the setting sun casts a warm glow over the horizon. The atmosphere shifts as dark clouds begin to settle in. You might find yourself lying on an empty beach, gazing into the vast unknown, pondering the strange connection between your struggles and the natural world around you.

RALLY’s music captures this mystery, offering a haunting reminder that just like the ocean, our lives are filled with ebbs and flows, uncertainties and the search for meaning in the chaos. Each song becomes a soundtrack to your introspection, encapsulating the feeling of staring at the ocean, hoping it will reveal answers to the tumult of thoughts racing through your mind. The album guides you through the ins and outs of transient experiences—surfing hotels, aimless travels, and the bittersweet nature of connection and disconnection. 

Among the highlights from “Songs From A Hotel Room,” three tracks stand out for their emotional depth and captivating soundscapes:

“Ride The Wind”

“Ride The Wind” opens with an echoing, guitar riff that feels raw and demo-lile. The unpolished recording makes you feel like you’re listening to a track straight out of a garage, but a smooth transition to full production occurs just as you're drawn in. A crisp drumbeat kicks in, picking up the pace and bringing the song to life with bright, surf rock energy. The upbeat tempo contrasts with the song’s lyrics, “You gotta set yourself free / if you don’t need me,” which hint at an emotional push and pull. It’s as if the rhythm encourages you to run carefree on a hot beach day, while the words reflect a bittersweet sense of letting go. In the bridge, the instrumental softens, yet remains captivating, before the song shifts back into its energetic, upbeat rhythm. The surf rock vibes blend perfectly with its theme of emotional release, making “Ride The Wind” an addictive listen

“Hotel Room”

This song opens with a slow, melancholic guitar riff, accompanied by a continuous chime that echoes like the deep, resonant toll of a grandfather clock or Big Ben. The chime gives the track a haunting, time-worn atmosphere, as if time is moving slower than it should. The opening lyrics, “I fell asleep to a TV screen / this hotel room seems empty without you,” instantly capture a sense of isolation and longing. The guitar stands out with an interesting glissando, created by the sliding motion between notes and frets. This creates a smooth, flowing effect as if the guitar itself is weeping, adding a wistful quality. The song is short, but its brevity intensifies the impact of the lyrics. “No I can’t move on” is repeated softly. It’s as if time is frozen in this moment of grief, where every chord and lyric hangs heavy in the air.

“Hotel Girl”

“Hotel Girl” opens with a dreamy, slow guitar riff that feels reminiscent of Beach House’s ethereal sound, creating a warm, hypnotic atmosphere. The soft and sweet lyrics tell the story of a “hotel girl,” painting a delicate picture with words that seem as if they were first written as a poem. The lyrics feel intimate and introspective, accompanied by beautiful, airy “oohs” and “ahs,” which gently weave through the verses like a breeze. The track remains soft until a sudden louder shift arrives with, “her love’s by the ocean far away,” a moment that breaks through the haze of the song’s gentleness with emotional intensity. The instrumentals are euphoric yet grounded, evoking the sensation of waves gently rolling in and out. As the song reaches its conclusion, the repeating refrain, “wake up love, it’s not too late,” lingers in the air, a soft plea that gradually fades into silence. This ending leaves a sense of yearning, the kind that echoes in the quiet moments after the music has stopped.

RALLY’s debut album is bound to resonate with any listener. The band has perfectly captured a snapshot of life’s fleeting moments. Catch RALLY live at Kilby Court on October 24, where they’ll bring their vibrant sound to the stage, promising an unforgettable evening. Don’t miss the chance to experience the magic of their debut album in person! You can find tickets here.