"Jenkintown’s New Motels write songs with such attention to detail that the lyric sheet becomes something to treasure. Luckily, there’s one included in their Domestic Life EP, just released by Scranton’s Prison Jazz label. Postcollege anxieties arise in “West Coast Brawl,” and likewise the exquisite drag of suffering through your 20s is captured by the title track and the Big Star-ish “Modern Thinker.” Leader Josh Levandoski sings calmly over the band’s twangy pop, which remains sunny despite his looming worries. It’s mostly a slow-burning record until the closing “Drama of the Hollywood Scene” stirs up vivid imagery that could’ve been inspired by Annie Hall. That’s a big complement, by the way." Doug Wallen, Philadelphia Weekly
"In the simplest terms possible, New Motels is the perfect blending of folk-rock and power pop. Two genres from opposite ends of the spectrum come together in a state of perfect balance. Songs like "Modern Thinker" and the title cut pull you in with their warm acoustic-laden backdrops and fetching melodies. As the disc plays on the arrangements get looser, but the harmonies remain. And just when you think the boys are getting lost in classic rock territory, they shock us back to the present with the snappy instant gratification of closing cut "Drama of the Hollywood Scene."" Mike Evans, Diamond City
"For the past few years now, Scranton’s Prison Jazz Records has been releasing some of the better indie rock from the region, such as The A-Sides, The Sw!ms and Okay Paddy. You can now add Jenkintown's The New Motels to that list. Although this foursome has been plugging along since 2003, the band had yet to release anything as promising as Domestic Life, an EP that dropped a few months back. Wilco comparisons have been abundant, and more or less accurate, which can really never be a bad thing. Less quirky and not as overtly pop as some of their better known label mates, The New Motels are the darkhorse of the Prison Jazz imprint." Joe Simek, Philly Edge
"So, Jenkintown ain't a dusty hill out West. And singers Josh Levandoski and Adam Vinson aren't Cali-Canyon-eers. But if the cinnamon-dipped twang of "A Thousand Isles" and the disdainful lyrical look at the "Drama of the Hollywood Scene" doesn't make them honorary Topangians, I'll eat my "Rust Never Sleeps" tour T-shirt." A.D. Amorosi, Philadelphia City Paper
"The Philadelphia four-piece is quite the fun little pop band, slinging buoyant and twangy pop-rock songs that fall somewhere between Elephant Six and Wilco. Leadoff track "Modern Thinker" mixes fuzzy pop with honky-tonk riffs, while the title track is a jangling standout of soaring guitar chords and sweetly layered vocals. "West Coast Brawl" is not the skull-crusher of a song you might expect it to be, but rather a bluesy acoustic song that's among the quieter moments on the record. The aforementioned "Drama of the Hollywood Scene" ends the EP with vigor, borrowing the breakdown from "Space Oddity" as its intro before surging into peppy distorted pop that would make Robert Schneider proud." Jeff Terich, Treble Zine
It was lovely meeting you this evening and great getting to see you play! Amazing set -- please let's do something together ASAP :) xo Jess, PopWreckoning. com
my friend maggie saw you for the first time on Sunday.. She thinks you sound like Ben Kweller, Josh. I think you sound like the band The Swimmers. Either way, it was a good time all around! All the best!
HELP SAVE SIREN RECORDS SATURDAY, July 12th at BUCKS COUNTY COFFEE COMPANY // North Main St in Doylestown 5pm ALL AGES // NO DRUGS & NO ALCOHOL NO ADVANCED TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR THIS SHOW //$3 Peasant THE FEVERFEW ROBERT VENUTO
for fans of INDIE ROCK - -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- SAVE SIREN RECORDS: show two
SUNDAY, July 13 at MAIN STREET BAPTIST CHURCH // 57 South Main Street in Doylestown Doors @ 4:30PM // Music @ 5PM ALL AGES // NO DRUGS & NO ALCOHOL NO ADVANCED TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR THIS SHOW Minimal Donation for the Show is $10
ARCHITECT // Syracuse, NY + Black Market Activities THE_NETWORK // New Hampshire + Black Market Activities
for fans of METAL + GRIND + DEADGUY + KISS IT GOODBYE + ALL ELSE FAILED
SUNDAY, July 13 at THE MOOSE LODGE // 127 East State Street in Doylestown Doors @ 4:30 ALL AGES // 21+ TO DRINK NO ADVANCED TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR THIS SHOW Minimal Donation for the Show is $10
ILLINOIS // Bucks County, PA DRINK UP BUTTERCUP // Doylestown, PA GRIMACE FEDERATION // Philadelphia & Doylestown, PA NEW MOTELS//Jenkintown, PA
Please come and support your community! Siren Records needs your help. They were forced to close their doors and now need your help to relocate and get their inventory back.
Please help this musical landmark stay in OUR community!
OTHER THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP! SEND DONATIONS VIA POST TO: Siren Records p.o. box 1110 Doylestown, PA 18901 CLICK HERE TO MAKE AN ELECTRONIC PAY PAL DONATION:
SUNDAY, July 13 at THE MOOSE LODGE // 127 East State Street in Doylestown Doors @ 6:30PM // Music @ 7PM ALL AGES // 21+ TO DRINK NO ADVANCED TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR THIS SHOW Minimal Donation for the Show is $10
ILLINOIS // Bucks County, PA DRINK UP BUTTERCUP // Doylestown, PA GRIMACE FEDERATION // Philadelphia & Doylestown, PA NEW MOTELS//Jenkintown, PA
Please come and support your community! Siren Records needs your help. They were forced to close their doors and now need your help to relocate and get their inventory back.
Please help this musical landmark stay in OUR community!
thanks for playing my favorite song...it was great seeing you guys and making you feel special while you are on stage with my amazing ability to drown people in sarcastic wit-filled banter.
