SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: SCOTT HELMAN – HOTEL DE VILLE

Scott Helman
Hotel De Ville
Warner Music

Since bursting on the scene with the release of his debut EP Augusta in 2014, young Toronto singer/songwriter Scott Helman has toured the U.S. and Europe, both solo, with just his guitar as accompaniment, as well as with his bandmates Callum Maudsley (guitar) and Julian Psihogios (drums). Helman also performed at the 2015 MMVA’s and the 2016 Juno Awards.

Now with the recent release of his debut full-length album Hotel De Ville, which Helman describes as “the next step,” he uses recent life experiences and personal growth as the basis for the writing of the new songs. “When I sat down to make this record I felt that I knew a lot more about who I was.”

Recording Hotel De Ville with talented writer/producer Thomas ”Tawgs” Salter (Lights, Walk Off The Earth, USS), Helman drew upon familiar influences, like Paul Simon, but also listened to album-focused artists, like Arcade Fire, The Cure and Bruce Springsteen.

Key cuts on Hotel De Ville include the John Mayer-esque title cut, the breezy and catchy first single “Kinda Complicated” and another radio friendly track, “Kites.”

Fans of Ed Sheeran and Shawn Mendes will no doubt be adding this to their summer playlist.

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