The second single from singer-songwriter Phil Stoodley and composer-producer Andreas Arianto’s collective, Hotel Death Star, ‘That’s You’ is out this week and if you like sparse, upbeat deep-house tracks with dark overtones. layered in melodic synthesizers and guitars, you are in the right place and time. The track also brings in a fresh Asian flavour with the use of the traditional Japanese Koto instrument, showcased in one of the dominant melodies. Phil’s time spent in Japan no doubt influenced that inclusion.
Influential flutters of Monolink, Bob Moses and ARTBAT have made an impact on this duo’s collaborative writing, along with a subtle salute to Pink Floyd, with an Andreas’s synth arpeggio pattern paying great homage to a melody made famous on the album ‘Dark Side Of The Moon’.
The middle breakdown performed by Andreas on piano would be suitably synced as an epic cinematic soundtrack. Its harmonic landscape created using a virtual instrument called ‘Death Piano,’ is reminiscent of romantic Russian composer Rachmaninoff. Andreas’s memorable performance invokes a feeling of loss and loneliness before dissolving into an upbeat resolution.
The lyrics are Phil’s comical twist on passive aggressive/ narcissism. A “push me pull you” angle, you could say.
You’re only good when you’re bad
You’re never bad when you’re sad
You only love when you’re lonely
You only hate when you’re homely
That’s you
Hotel Death Star are currently composing and recording songs for their upcoming five track EP. Due for release in mid 2021.
‘That’s You’ was released on 19th February, 2021.
Available on all good streaming platforms – have a listen here.
