ALBUM REVIEW: Mary Lattimore – Goodbye, Hotel Arkada

Ghostly International

Released: 06.10.23

Weaving webs of hypnotic splendour from an ambient drone foundation, harpist and composer Mary Lattimore’s singular mastery of her craft knows few equals across the experimental and alt. folk spectrums. Though its roots remain in improvisation, the six serene, shimmering pieces which make up Goodbye, Hotel Arkada morphed during an “uncharacteristically measured” two-year process, which also welcomed guest contributions from Slowdive vocalist Rachel Goswell, ex-Cure man Lol Tolhurst and abstract guitarist Ray Montgomery, among others.

The results largely forsake the timeless meanderings which made predecessor Silver Ladders such an entrancing trip, yet no structural walls can contain the air of celestial tranquillity only Lattimore can summon. Five albums in, the L.A. resident’s spell remains bewitching and wholly unbroken.