QX Magazine

Introduced as a tale of stateside wanderlust, Songs from the American Motel strays off the track as Ezra finds love, before finally losing its way altogether down memory lane. ‘Songs’, as a story, doesn’t really go anywhere; it’s more a collection of moments and memories of one man’s journey.

The theatre space is set-up like a room in a dive hotel, crisps and beer cans littering tables while baseball caps are strewn over lamps and an unmade bed takes centre stage. The six-strong band burst into the room for the opening number, pulling Ezra out of the shower and creating a sense that cast and audience alike are noisy gate-crashing guests hanging out for a jamming session.

So far, so rock’n’roll, even if the whole thing lacks the ‘cool’ factor the concept suggests. Instead, the songs veer between the pleasant and the less memorable, oscillating wildly in tone, just as you get into one, the honky-tonk verse jumps to piano ballad bridge before breaking into a chorus the Corrs would be proud of.

The band itself is convincing as a group of friends hanging out with one another, and they genuinely look like they’re having fun. The frustrating part is that this is only Ezra Axelrod’s story when in fact the backing singers look like they deserve our attention just as much, if not more. Dwayne Washington has a gorgeous voice and a sexy swagger about him, but is barely used. During the song ‘19’, guitarist Tom Parsons takes the mic and shows off a captivating voice that deserves the spotlight.

Though likable and adding some nice ad libs with the audience, he doesn’t quite convince us as a guy who would slum it in motel dives. His stories of living in Soho brothels jar with an actor who looks ready to jazz-hand it down to Pineapple Studios.

After checking-out of the American Motel, it’s clear the story of wanderlust and lost love has been left behind too. Quite where it was meant to take us is uncertain, and the songs don’t quite have the longevity to carry you there. All in all, nice room service but not meant for a lengthy stay.

• Ezra Axelrod’s Songs from the American Motel 

The Lounge, Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, WC2H 7BX
to Saturday 3rd March.

Box office: 08448 733433

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