"Hotel Two-Way" by Tryst

a Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

I reviewed Tryst's previous release, "Kids of Big Stars" in 2003 and I liked it very much. This release is also quite nice.

I called them "happy pop" back then, and I'd say that still fits. There's a bit of a Brit feel to them too even though they're from Brooklyn.

Opening track "Jessica" makes me want to sway back and forth. Actually the rest of the songs keep the pace pretty much. The songwriting is great and makes for some simply infectious tunes.

Lead singer, Tim Cohan reminds me of Jeff Tweety of Wilco at times. He is backed in harmony by the lovely female voice of Ellen Highstone (who also plays bass) and as well as guitarist Sam McIlvain and Elisa Steingrubner (drums). There are several other musicians here as well and they all sound perfect together.

This is a great comfortable pop CD and one I highly recommend.

Stand out songs: "Jessica", "Alexis" and "Good To Be Alive" (ah, you thought I'd say "Abigail" didn't you? I didn't mean to pick all girl named songs. I just like those the most. Though "Abigail" is a great song too)

Posted on October 11, 2005