B-Side Guys

Alright, folks, buckle up and prepare for a wild ride. The Naked Grace Missionaries, the acoustic trio that’s been giving Charles Manson a run for his money in the haunting midnight singalong department, are back with a brand new EP that’s sure to leave you equal parts entranced, unsettled, and desperately in need of a hug.

Set for release on April 26, 2024, “Sacred Heart Hotel” promises to be a dreamy, politically-charged journey through the darkest recesses of the human psyche. Imagine stumbling upon a decrepit old hotel in the middle of nowhere, only to find that the only other guests are the ghosts of The Wicker Man and the Heaven’s Gate cult. That’s the kind of vibe we’re talking about here.

But don’t let the spooky aesthetics fool you – beneath the surface, “Sacred Heart Hotel” is a profound meditation on the complexities of self-discovery and the trials that shape our existence. The Naked Grace Missionaries aren’t afraid to delve into the darkest corners of the soul, but they do so with a sense of wide-eyed wonder and a healthy dose of gallows humor.

Take the opening track, “Black Mountain,” for example. Inspired by Jodorowsky’s mind-bending masterpiece “The Holy Mountain,” the song grapples with the idea of cleansing oneself from societal conditioning. It’s a heady concept, to be sure, but the band manages to make it feel as accessible as a late-night chat with your weirdest friend.

The title track, meanwhile, tackles the tiny little topics of mortality, human cruelty, and the way language can be used to shape both our dreams and our nightmares. You know, just some light, breezy stuff to contemplate while you’re sipping your morning coffee.

But perhaps the most intriguing moment on the EP comes with the final track, “Uriel.” Apparently inspired by a strange vision one of the band members had while holed up in Dalston (and honestly, who among us hasn’t had a weird epiphany or two while wandering the streets of East London?), the song is a testament to the idea that there’s a little bit of angel in all of us. It’s a refreshing reminder that even in the darkest of times, there’s still beauty and transcendence to be found.

Of course, at just three tracks and nine minutes long, “Sacred Heart Hotel” is more of a brief, fever-dream excursion than a full-blown vacation. But what it lacks in length, it more than makes up for in sheer, unfiltered creativity. The Naked Grace Missionaries have crafted a sound that feels simultaneously classic and utterly unique, drawing on everything from vintage singer-songwriter fare to avant-garde soundscapes.

So go ahead and book your stay at the “Sacred Heart Hotel.” Just don’t expect any complimentary breakfast or turn-down service. This is a journey into the unknown, a plunge into the depths of the human experience. And trust us, you wouldn’t want it any other way.

The Naked Grace Missionaries’ “Sacred Heart Hotel” EP drops on April 26, 2024. Consider yourself warned.