It's only fitting that singer-songwriter Nicole Atkins' ethereal "Hotel Plaster" has an other-worldly music video. From the album "Mondo Amore," the lush ballad track with the longing chorus is paired with scenes reminiscent of a tripped out, Alice in Wonderland-like forest tea party, and as Atkins shares, this was her ideal treatment for the song.The New Jersey-based artist is a folk/blues-rooted singer-songwriter and has had more than her share of experience performing with just her guitar, voice and songs. The 33-year-old burst on the scene in 2007 with the critically acclaimed "Neptune City." Four years later, with a new band, The Black Sea, and a new label, she returns with a stirring sophomore record "Mondo Amore," which is dark but it's never overdone or forced, and has a mostly melancholy feel. With "Mondo Amore," Atkins has really shown her strength as both a singer and songwriter. Her powerhouse vocals and meaningful lyrics help give this album lasting appeal.
"Hotel Plaster" is chamber pop at its best, where Atkins talks about her long term relationship falling apart because she's on the road pursuing her career. "The video for 'Hotel Plaster' is about hearing the call to pursue an authentic life, and allowing the aspects of yourself that have lain dormant to come back to life. It's a response to what the song is about, as opposed to a moving illustration of the lyrics," Atkins says. "Also, it was a great excuse to throw a tripped-out tea party in the woods."
Atkins is sultry and seductive while she takes a different approach to "Hotel Plaster," crooning beautifully to a lover somewhere far away. The great thing about Atkins' voice is that she uses it very appropriately. While she can clearly wail powerfully, she knows how to scale back and display other facets of her vocals. Because of this, when she does unleash and show off her range, it makes it all the more impressive.
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