While we await the full-length release of OTEL’s official first album, the band tempts us with its modern version of ’70s rock on its ep Criminal. OTEL, formerly the Paul Christian Band, opted for its current name after being inspired by the performance of the members in the band, and a motel sign on the Westbank (“m” burnt out, of course.) “It was my band, we were gigging under my name in support of the record, but after a time it was our band,” says Christian on their website, “Everyone put themselves into this project, and after a couple years all of a sudden there’s a sound and then people can’t be replaced or a part can’t simply be covered by someone else.” Although the record boasts an expansive, and impressive, mix of organ, guitar, violin, viola, cello, drums, bass, saxophone and Rolling Rock bottles (???), this band succeeds at creating a polished rock sound without clutter.

Of the three songs featured here, I like “Gulf of Mexico” the best. I don’t know if it is the New Orleans-style piano playing, or the vibrant vocals, but something about this song makes me want to “Run away / Run away / Run away,” to the coast as fast as I can. An eerie violin line opens the title track, “Criminal,” and the song continues with a grumbling saxophone that skids along and culminates with an impressive whirlwind solo embodying the mood of the song.

The vocals really stand out on these well-crafted songs, and I will be curious to hear the full-length version when it is released.