Hotel Pomeroke is a profound blend of poetic lyricism and indie-rock ethos, serving as a standout track on fig trees’ upcoming debut album, Room 22. With metaphor-laden verses and an overarching theme of balancing life and passion, the song delves into JJ Vroman’s personal struggles, offering a relatable narrative for dreamers navigating the complexities of modern life.
The track’s sonic landscape draws parallels to Arctic Monkeys, with brooding guitar riffs and a rhythmic pulse that anchors its introspection. JJ’s vocal delivery oscillates between melancholy and urgency, perfectly complementing the theme of inner conflict. The inclusion of choral vocal moments adds depth, creating a haunting yet uplifting atmosphere. These layered harmonies act as the emotional thread, underscoring the push-and-pull dynamic of the song’s subject matter.
Instrumentally, Hotel Pomeroke boasts a meticulous arrangement. Lowie Clapéron’s keys infuse a dreamy ambiance, Reinhard Vanbergen’s violin and pedal steel lines lend a cinematic quality, and the percussion from Sylvester Vanborm gives the song a heartbeat, grounding its ethereal qualities. The production, helmed by Ian Clement, polishes these elements into a cohesive auditory experience that feels both timeless and cutting-edge.
The lyrics embody a poetic brilliance, weaving metaphors that resonate on multiple levels. Lines like “How do I play my cards right?” encapsulate the universal tension between risk and reward, while the imagery surrounding the titular Hotel Pomeroke suggests a place of escape, contemplation, and inspiration. JJ’s ability to craft evocative narratives is a testament to his artistry, making the song’s message both personal and universal.
Directed by Lars Baert, the video for Hotel Pomeroke mirrors the song’s introspection with a cinematic flair that elevates its narrative. Set against the haunting backdrop of an ancient castle, the visuals alternate between JJ’s solitary musings and surreal sequences that symbolize his struggle to reconcile his dual life.
Norman Baert and Clement Protin’s cinematography is exceptional, capturing every frame with a painterly quality. The lighting and colour grading by Clement Protin evoke a dreamlike aura, transitioning from muted tones to vivid bursts that align with the song’s emotional crescendos. The jumping shot, a pivotal moment in the video, encapsulates a leap of faith, both literally and metaphorically, and is a masterstroke in visual storytelling.
The video weaves symbolic elements into its narrative, including scenes of JJ wandering through labyrinthine corridors and standing on precarious edges. These visuals echo the song’s themes of uncertainty and the yearning to find balance. The castle ruins serve as a metaphor for creativity born from chaos, reinforcing fig trees’ ethos of embracing the unpredictable.
The collaborative effort of 3ANGLES STUDIO shines through in the video’s production value. From seamless editing by Lars Baert and Clement Protin to the atmospheric score, every element contributes to a cohesive visual masterpiece.
Hotel Pomeroke is a compelling chapter in fig trees’ story, capturing the essence of a romantic artist driven by an insatiable urge to lose himself in music. Both the song and its video transcend mere entertainment, offering a poignant reflection on the sacrifices and joys of pursuing one’s dreams. Arctic Monkeys fans, and anyone who values poetic rock with a message, will find much to love in this track.
fig trees’ deliberate choice to extend weekends to “three days” as a means of prioritizing creativity is a powerful takeaway. The message is clear: carve out space for your passions, even if it means stepping into uncharted territory. Room 22, slated for release in the Spring, promises to be a landmark album, with Hotel Pomeroke as its enigmatic centrepiece. We have added the opus to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream November 17, and anticipate the release of Room 22!