HOSPITALITY - S/T

With this debut full-length following a 2008 self-released EP which likely did not garner much attention outside of the band's native NYC, Hospitality introduce themselves to the world at large as the sort of pop group that comes by its mild yet compelling oddness honestly. From the Anglo edges of singer/songwriter Amber Papini's pronunciation (an aspect of their sound which could draw comparisions to Merge labelmates Camera Obscura and The Clientele, as well as such other Brit bands past and present as Belle and Sebastian, The Sundays, and Life Without Buildings) to creative production touches (additional saxes/synths/etc. as required) somewhat reminiscent of a range of contemporaries as varied as Deerhoof, St. Vincent and Spoon, there's a gentle subversiveness throughout this record that drew this writer in, ever more helpless to resist with each repeat listen. While there are plenty of upbeat tracks bound to immediately grab certain listeners, others may fall first for the slowburn lulls ("Julie", "Sleepover" and "Argonauts") where Papini's unshowy gifts for melody and emotional ambivalence might be best deployed.