On Ian Hilton’s latest album (better known as likethehotels), salt, he shatters any preconceived notions of genre, delivering a ferocious blend of grunge, indie rock, nu-metal, and math rock—all filtered through the raw intensity of post-punk. This is a record that demands your full attention from the moment it starts, a sonic journey that never lets up, propelled by explosive energy and anchored by powerful, commanding vocals.

Recorded in various home studios across Utah and Arizona, salt is a testament to the DIY ethos that runs deep in the veins of likethehotels. The one-man band behind the project has meticulously crafted a record that feels both expansive and personal, capturing the grit and grind of rock’s many subgenres while weaving them into a cohesive, thrilling experience. The production, despite its nomadic creation, is top-tier, with every riff, beat, and vocal perfectly placed to maximize impact. The mixing, done in Phoenix after the artist found a stable home base, brings a polished edge to the raw power of the performances, while the mastering by longtime collaborator Stephan Hawkes adds the final layer of brilliance.

At 39 minutes and 11 tracks, salt is a lean, mean rock machine. Each song pulses with energy, carrying the listener through a landscape of intense emotions and relentless soundscapes. The album kicks off with an intensity that never wavers, plunging into deep, distorted riffs and intricate rhythms that nod to the complexity of math rock while keeping the visceral punch of grunge and nu-metal alive. The vocals are the glue that holds everything together—endlessly powerful and dripping with emotion, they cut through the dense instrumentation like a knife, delivering lyrics that are as raw and direct as the music itself.

The genius of salt lies in its ability to flow like a complete album while offering standout singles that could easily dominate any rock playlist. Tracks like “10 & 2” and “terminal 3” exemplify this, with their explosive choruses and unforgettable hooks, but each song contributes to the overall narrative and energy of the album. The transitions between tracks are seamless, maintaining momentum and ensuring that the listener is taken on a full-fledged journey from start to finish.

Despite the diversity of influences, salt never feels disjointed. Instead, likethehotels manages to fuse these styles into something uniquely their own—a sound that’s familiar yet fresh, chaotic yet controlled. The album’s relentless energy is its defining characteristic; it’s hard rock that doesn’t let up, a relentless barrage of sound that’s as exhilarating as it is cathartic.

In a world where rock often feels like it’s losing its edge, salt is a reminder of the genre’s enduring power. likethehotels has created something truly special here—a record that defies easy categorization, bursts with creativity, and refuses to be ignored. We suggest you experience it for yourselves by cranking the volume up and clicking those links below.

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likethehotels delivers a genre-bending Rock odyssey with album, "salt"