Kyoto band Hotel Mexico announced on their website tonight that they have officially split up. It means one of Japan’s finest indie bands of the last few years – and one of the first to receive attention from Western blogs and music websites – is calling it a day.
Hotel Mexico began in late 2008, according to this solid introduction to the band by The Japan Times’ Ian Martin (here’s another good starting point, too). As that article says, Hotel Mexico were quickly tagged as “chillwave,” not an inaccurate marking but one that sells the band somewhat short. They were hardly capitalizing on a trend – their music could sound downright majestic, epitomized by breakout single “It’s Twinkle.” Signed to hometown label Second Royal Records, Hotel Mexico released their debut album His Jewelled Letter Box in 2010. Make Believe Melodies reviewed that album, and named it the 22nd best Japanese album of the year. Make Believe Melodies also named “It’s Twinkle” the 12th best song of the year – with time, though, I can safely say it’s one of the five most memorable tracks from 2010, and one of the best Japanese songs of the young decade.
Hotel Mexico would continue releasing various songs here and there, with Second Royal and with American imprint Double Denim. They received attention from Pitchfork, Gorilla Vs. Bear and many other prominent publications. Earlier this year, they released their second album Her Decorated Post Love, their finest collection of songs to date and a lock to make Make Believe Melodies’ top Japanese albums of 2013 list. They toured internationally (read more here) and played many great shows across Japan too. I interviewed them before they went to New York City. They will release one final song in November, and have also posted a live performance from Kyoto’s Metro, which you can watch below.
Before the year is out, we will surely feature more about this band (I will probably write some more personal stuff over on Tumblr this week). For now, some of Hotel Mexico’s best songs for your enjoyment.
It’s Twinkle
Starling, Tiger, Fox
Dear Les Friends
A Space In The Loveless Field
A.I. In Dreams
Live At Kyoto Metro