
‘Hell Must Be Empty’ was written a year ago, when femicide was dominating the news and rallies were being held across Australia to end sexual violence. That same week, I walked alone to my car after dinner with friends, keys clenched in my hand, checking my surroundings, crossing the road to avoid the darker side, and walking quickly. Before we left, we all asked each other to text when we got home.
These precautions have become second nature to so many women, because almost every woman I know has a story of feeling unsafe, being harassed, touched, or worse.
Heartbreakingly, this song is still just as relevant today.
Golden twang, iconic guitar lines, and a killer vocal. This rolls like a runaway freight train. - Steph Hughes (ABC Country/Triple J)
Another killer twangy howler from Melbourne's finest outlaws.
- Kath Devaney (ABC Country/Triple J)
“Hotel Texas” is the title track from the debut album from Naarm alt-country act The Smith & Western Jury. The track hooks you right from those opening bars of mournful twang and lead singer Sam Lombardi’s emotive and captivating vocal. Lyrically and musically “Hotel Texas” really hit the spot and is yet another reminder of the quality of Australia’s alt-country scene.
- The AU Review
Photo By Sam Kirby
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The Smith & Western Jury acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.
We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
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