EP review: Gold Motel

Fans of Chicago indie rock might already be familiar with Greta Morgan as one-fourth of The Hush Sound, who released three records and toured with the likes of OK Go, Jack's Mannequin and Fall Out Boy over their four years as an active band. With that project now on hiatus, Morgan has branched out with a new band, Gold Motel, and has hit the ground running with a surge of live gigs and recording. The band's recently released self-titled EP is a wonderful introduction, featuring five tracks of spirited indie pop that calls to mind the 60s girl-group-meets-modern day approach of acts such as Camera Obscura, The Postmarks and The Corner Laughers. While songs like "Perfect in My Mind" and "Don't Send the Searchlights" are irresistible bursts of sunny pop that would stand strong on their songwriting alone, perhaps the biggest star of the show here is Morgan's warm, expressive voice, which makes it crystal clear she's passionate about what she's singing. A full length is scheduled to drop this June, and this EP is more than adequate proof that it will be well worth checking out.

Gold Motel will play Subterranean on Saturday, March 20 with Color Radio and Volcanoes Make Islands. $10, doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at 6:30 p.m. Click here for tickets.

Video: 'Perfect in My Mind' by Gold Motel