Moody and atmospheric, the record makes one thing crystal clear - this is only the start for Alister.
Opening the 11-track project is the full of energy ‘Bit the Bullet’. Ironically released on Valentine’s Day, it’s a quintessential anti-Valentine's Day anthem. It’s female rage personified. Lyrics such as “Fallen angels on concrete” and “You chained my wings” display feelings of injustice - the narrator was once someone pure and optimistic, yet heartbreak has tainted this.
‘Playing House’ takes a more mellow stance on heartbreak, replacing anger with sadness. A lack of closure plagues the track - after all, how can you move on easily if everything that was once familiar is gone, seemingly in an instant. The combination of Alister’s airy vocals and heartbreaking lyrics result in a deeply vulnerable track, one which expertly describes the soul crushing aftermath of a break-up.
The following track, ‘Pretty Girl Thriller’ is a commentary on unrealistic beauty standards placed upon young girls and women, and consequently, the devastating effects. Structurally, this track cleverly mimics how societal pressure impacts impressionable young women. The opening verse is slow, and the chorus is an explosion, similar to how suffering is commonly unnoticed until too late.
‘Drama Baby’ is a stream of consciousness, one which chronicles the narrator’s deepest insecurities. Relatable lyrics such as, “But then, little miss self-destruction comes out to bite” reveal that, more often than not, we are our own biggest critics.
‘KEEP IT COOL’, is energetic and chronicles the biggest betrayal of all - being cheated on by a partner. The track adopts a tongue-in-cheek tone, with lyrics such as “So you tripped and fell into her bed by accident” and “Guess baguette wasn’t all that you ate in France”. Alister’s personality shines through on lyrics like these - she isn’t afraid to be bold in her songwriting style.
‘Pity Party Princess’ epitomises the universal experience of jealousy amongst peers, and comparing yourself to those who seemingly have it all. Comparison is lethal, yet this doesn’t stop us - there will inevitably always be someone who we aspire to be.
The record takes a slower turn with ‘Born to be Blue’, an emotionally charged ballad in which the narrator views themselves as inferior to the one they love. Similar to previous tracks, this song explores Alister’s deepest insecurities, creating a personal record which touches the hearts of many. A standout line is, “I’m just damaged goods, would change it if I could” - it perfectly showcases the emotional vulnerability portrayed by this song.
‘Doomsday Kiss’ continues the run of slower, piano led tracks. This track is a beautiful depiction of love in its purest form - it is all consuming and powerful. Dark and atmospheric, this track describes a burning desire for someone, with standout lyrics like, “Hold me with your bare hands when the comet hits” and “If the sirens went off today / I’d speed a hundred miles an hour to your apartment”.
‘Touch Me Where They Can’t’ is a celebration of healing. Following heartbreak and trauma, the narrator now is in a relationship with someone who celebrates and loves them openly. Religious imagery is used throughout the entire track, to demonstrate how important their significant other is to the narrator.
‘Training Wheels’ is a tender track exploring the struggles of growing up and still feeling as vulnerable as you did when you were younger. However, this is also an ode to growth - by the end of the track, Alister is okay with getting older and growing up: “Blow another candle out, think I’m finally happy now”. After years of struggling, Alister has reached a point in her life where everything feels okay.
Closing the record is the titular ‘Honeymoon in a Motel’, an atmospheric track which tells the story of a pure love, one which is more powerful than any material goods. As long as Alister is with her lover, nothing else matters, not even money or wealth.
This album does everything a debut album needs to do - it showcases Alister’s musical versatility. Full of passion and big feelings, it is evident that it comes from a place of genuine love, and it seems like the name Eileen Alister will soon become a household one.
Hanna Makowska
Image: ‘Honeymoon In A Motel’ Official Album Cover
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