Confection (2022)

Released May 13, 2022
Available on Vinyl and Digital

Following a multi-year rebuild, Pastel Motel released their third album “Confection” in May of 2022. This new record follows the departure of long-time drummer, Jerry Gamez.  The group continued to play live with a revolving door of temporary fill-ins, and eventually entered the studio in 2018.  However, recording struggles led the band to scrap the overdue record.  In an effort to streamline their vision, the group reformed as a 3-piece, with vocalist and guitarist Ryan Maxey switching to drums and vocals, while bassist Eric Deleon and vocalist/guitarist Ricky Maxey remained on their original instruments. The band focused on their live show with the new configuration before eventually reentering the studio to record their long awaited follow-up. 

On May 13, 2022 Pastel Motel released their new record.  Written, tracked, and mixed by the band, Confection is a cyclical concept album. Balancing between a thematic concept and a narrative, the album reflects on repetition and life. While the band returns to some familiar lyrical themes, their new album is more grounded than the grandiose visions of previous Pastel Motel records. With key members leaving and switching instruments, Pastel Motel’s new sound is a slight departure from previous efforts while remaining instantly recognizable. Blending alternative rock and pop with elements of prog and math rock, the band finds a way to cover intimidating musical concepts with a friendly, inviting disguise. 

Concept albums like this are nothing new for Pastel Motel. Their debut was an allegoric narrative, while their sophomore effort investigated the duality in life.