"Few other indie bands - save maybe Arcade Fire and Interpol - are able to articulate the gulf between heartbreak and hope with such cryptic lyrical class or melancholic, minor key majesty." GQ

"The Black Hotels tell stories, sometimes baldly, sometimes elliptically, but always with a strange, sombre sadness that is inexplicably close to joy." Mail & Guardian

The Black Hotels are an alternative rock band from Johannesburg, South Africa. Formed in 2006 they have become one of the most critically acclaimed South African bands of the last decade.

The group's first release, a five-track EP called Beautiful Mornings, was recorded between tour dates over a weekend at JSL Studios in Primrose. The record received significant critical acclaim with two singles playlisted on national radio.

In May 2009 the band released their first full-length album, Films for the Next Century. The album featured newcomers Matthew Fink and Warrick Poultney and was recorded at the SABC Studios in Auckland Park. The album was nominated for a South African Music Award for Best Alternative Album.

"Album of the Year." The Star Tonight
"Album of the Year." Femina
"Top 10 Albums of the Year." Sunday Times
"Reminiscent of the best moments of REM and Interpol." Muse

In April 2011 the band released their follow up album Honey Badger. The album was recorded at JSL Studios. The single No Sign of Science was a radio hit.

"Album of the Month." GQ
"Exceptional." The Star Tonight
"Superb." Citizen
"4 Stars." Rolling Stone
"A sombre beauty." Mail & Guardian

In 2011 the band supported Kings of Leon in Johannesburg and Cape Town. They have also toured with UK bands Starsailor and Ash. Their music has also featured in the films White Wedding and Jozi.

Festival appearances:

* Oppikoppi 2011/2010/2008
* Large on the Lawn 2012
* MK Festival, Vaal Dam 2012
* Rocking the Daisies 2009
* Rocking the Gardens 2009
* Synergy Live 2010
* Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 2010
* Old Mutual Summer Concerts 2010/2009
* Durban Botanical Gardens 2009
* Powerzone Unplugged Festival 2009
* XBox Summer Festival 2009/2008
* Bydiemaan 2011
* Aardklop 2011
* On The Night 2009
* Earth Hour 2009