Hotel Mira’s Raw Anthem of Self-Realization from Their Upcoming Pitty Party Album
- Alyssa Crocker
- Jan 17
- 4 min read
Hotel Mira is back, and this time, they're bringing us a raw, introspective look at the complexities of growth and acceptance in their latest single, "Making Progress." And let me tell you—this track doesn’t just make you want to vibe out, it makes you want to rip open a heart or two and confront everything you’ve been running from.
From their forthcoming album Pitty Party set to release this March, this song feels like the ultimate prelude to an album that’s going to hit harder than a hangover after a chaotic night. But it’s not all about kicking back and drifting with the beat—it’s about coming to terms with reality, with progress, and the pain that follows. If you’ve ever had a moment where you thought you’d cracked the code of life, only to realize you’re still in the middle of a complicated maze, then Making Progress is speaking your language.
Song Overview:
From the moment Charlie Kerr’s voice rips through the distorted guitar riffs at the start, you know you’re in for something cathartic. There’s an energy in the air—sort of a quiet chaos—that demands attention without overstating itself. Hotel Mira’s signature mix of alternative rock with punchy riffs and swells of energy shows up full force here, bringing a vibrance to this deeply introspective song. Kerr’s voice dances in a strange and beautiful balance between bitter sarcasm and weary acceptance, leading the way through the deeply personal narrative.
The instrumentation that follows mirrors that push-pull of frustration and perseverance. It’s not just about aggressive guitar solos or energetic drumming, but the subtle way the whole band meshes those elements together to give you that feeling of constant tension, constantly on the edge of breaking, but never quite giving in. The throbbing pulse behind the lyric “We’re so alive, we can’t play dead” rings louder with each refrain, signaling to the listener that there’s no resolution yet—progress doesn’t equate to clarity, and that's okay. The track’s minimalistic, yet impactful, sonic landscape embodies the mood of someone reluctantly realizing their personal plateau, even if they don't know where to go from here.
Lyrical Themes:
The lyrics “From time to time, I realize I’m making progress, it’s tooth for tooth, and eye for eye; At least it’s honest” reveal the complexity within the song. At first glance, it might feel like it’s steeped in negativity, almost as though Kerr is trudging through a swamp of broken ideals and failed relationships. But what makes “Making Progress” so engaging—and so real—is its honesty. The line “Some bad advice, immortalized to keep me broken” evokes memories of past mistakes—misguided guidance—and the unshakable tendency to fall into the same cycles, even when we’re supposedly moving forward.
Here’s where the track breaks into a potent critique of the culture of self-improvement: “A prison cell of ‘be yourself’—you must be joking.” It’s a punch to the face of modern advice, a rejection of the forced mantra to always chase better, brighter, and more positive outcomes. Hotel Mira doesn’t pretend everything will come out roses, and through Kerr’s sharp delivery, this song becomes a kind of manifesto against the world that tells us we should always be improving
Musicality & Arrangement:
The track pulls listeners in not just with its lyrics, but with its engaging arrangement. The rhythm section, handled by Mike Noble (bass) and Cole George (drums), locks into a groove that’s less about precision and more about setting a laid-back, almost chaotic foundation that speaks to the emotional foundation of the lyrics. The deep thrum of bass contrasts beautifully with the electric light touches on guitar from Clark Grieve, giving the song a breathless feeling. This isn’t a fight for perfection—it’s a depiction of real struggles as they sound in your head: fleeting, jarring, and unfinished.
There’s a particular beauty in the small moments of “Making Progress” where everything softens—the moments when the build becomes subtle, almost vulnerable, and then just as quickly, the raucous energy returns to remind you that no, you’re not “there” yet. But the confidence and vibrancy of it all keep you grounded in the narrative, ensuring that you never forget where this song lives emotionally. Despite its title, there’s nothing linear or pristine about the “progress” it speaks to.
Conclusion:
With “Making Progress,” Hotel Mira leads us on an audacious journey into the darker corners of our minds, all while refusing to sound tired or formulaic. The track sets the tone for Pitty Party with unwavering energy and bold vulnerability—showing us a band that isn’t just evolving but making real progress by owning their imperfections. Whether you're caught in an existential haze or cruising through a triumphant realization, this song resonates in all the right places. After listening to “Making Progress,” you can’t help but feel the weight lift, if just for a brief moment—and that's the magic of Hotel Mira’s music. Buckle up for what the full album has in store; it’s bound to be as unpredictable and exhilarating as this track suggests.
Let the 'Pitty Party' begin.
Tracklist for Pitty Party (out March):
America’s Favourite Pastime
Right Back Where I Was
Made For This
Cowboy
Melissa
Making Progress (already out)
Runner
Javelin
Stone’s Throw
Back to the Bedroom
On And On
There Goes The Neighbourhood
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