Review: The American Hotel System – “Tripping”

Right off the coattails of a success single, called “Seattle,” the rock band known as The American Hotel System have returned with a more vulnerable side of themselves on “Tripping.” The Grand Rapids, Michigan band has opened for marquee acts like Bon Jovi, earned the Grand Champions of Music Prize in 2022, and it’s easy to see why they’re making such a big name for themselves early on in their career. Lead singer Jacob Betts shared, “I believe we all experience pushes and pulls in life—events from our past that propel us forward and aspirations for the future that draw us toward tomorrow. As I progress in therapy, the pain from my past has become a source of joy, pushing me forward even during the darkest moments when I feel like I’m falling…that is at the heart of ‘Tripping.'” With a sound that fits well within the realm of Switchfoot, The Fray, and Goo Goo Dolls, The American Hotel System may just be the next great rock band to take the music scene by storm.