Joshua Hotel was born from an idea by Joshua MacKenzie, a composer and musician who has always been enamoured with the 1980s, an era he experienced indirectly through memories shared with his mother, a big fan of artists like Cure and Smiths.
Enlisting Louis Slorach and Joshua Gilbert, Joshua Mackenzie began producing a handful of singles that found favour with the press and local audiences ("Oblivion Days"), convincing the trio that the time was ripe for a proper album.
"Rapture Party" chronicles five years spent fine-tuning a debut that represents a genuine emotional and artistic coming out for the musician. Alongside an electro-pop aesthetic that nods to Pet Shop Boys ("Show Me Around") and A-ha ("Our Lonely Hearts"), the group also shows an admiration for Lloyd Cole ("Easy Feeling") and Orange Juice ("Clever (In The Eyes Of Others)").
When Joshua Hotel dig into more muscular sounds (the darkwave pop of "Beautiful Day") or hint at more elaborate arrangements ("Martin Amiss"), it's clear that behind the electro-pop fascination that has gripped the band's leader lies a potential that could offer some surprises down the line. In the meantime, "Rapture Party" is an intriguing retro primer for all lovers of electronic pop in search of new/old suggestions.
Ride the wave of great music
Add OndaRock to your favorite sources on Google Discover. Don't miss our reviews, milestones and latest news straight in your feed.
31/01/2026
This article is an English translation of the original Italian text by Gianfranco Marmoro, published on OndaRock.it. It was translated with the help of artificial intelligence, under the editorial responsibility of OndaRock's editor-in-chief, Claudio Fabretti.
Tracklist
- 1. Hometown 2001
- 2. Our Lonely Hearts
- 3. Beautiful Day
- 4. Easy Feeling
- 5. Local Girl Builds A Rocket
- 6. Show Me Around
- 7. Clever (In The Eyes Of Others)
- 8. Conversations In The Dark
- 9. The Changes
- 10. Martin Amiss
- 11. The Final Joy Ride
JOSHUA HOTEL on the web
Latest Reviews
FLOATING POINTS
Mere Mortals
A new experiment for Sam Shepherd, this time between electronic and contemporary music
NOTHING BUT THIEVES
Stray Dogs
The most markedly alt-rock work yet from the English band fronted by Conor Mason
SPACE AFRIKA
Quiet Storm
The new album from the Anglo-Berlin duo is an ode to resilience
ANGELA AUTUMN
Believer
New songs from the Zelienople singer-songwriter, written while wandering through the Appalachians
GURRIERS
Nobody’s Coming To Save You
Ten convincing tracks that confirm the talent and ambitions of the young Dublin post-post-punk quartet
BRENNAN WEDL
Brennan Wedl
Inspired by Kathleen Edwards, Lucinda Williams and Tom Petty, the scrappy debut from the Nashville-based artist
NED COLLETTE
Mixed Light
The Australian singer-songwriter's return is a tribute to the need to escape the logic of the mainstream
BORIS MAURUSSANE
Tears Of English Town
A refined blend of bossa nova, jazz, psychedelia and classical music
original design & development by
Edoardo M. Cappuccio
Edoardo M. Cappuccio
redesign by
Gabriele Brombin
Anna Quaranta
Gabriele Brombin
Anna Quaranta