Seattle’s Tiger La Flor is continuing with her pastel-infused country style in latest single “No Vacancy.” Colorful instrumentation and cheeky lyrics decorate a song about a flirtatious but ill-suited encounter.
The Americana of “No Vacancy” starts off strong with the clap and stomp rhythm that persists for its entirety. As the song builds, so does the instrumentation with new additions at each phase of lyrics. Simple guitars start in the first verse before a kick drum and bass line join in the chorus. The smoother sound of these two instruments are the song’s first pop elements and they flow in and out nicely.
In the second chorus, synth strings and bongos reminiscent of early ABBA only add to the pop side of the country song with a quick return to the boot stomps pulling back the pop elements just a little. The choice of instruments of this song was clearly thought out and well-chosen with the mix between two genres elevating the song rather confusing it. The subtle shift from synth strings to a fiddle solo in the outro of “No Vacancy” only further emphasises this flow between genres.
Roadside motels are a constant lyrical motif for Tiger La Flor and the title of this song is a dead giveaway for that. The pre-chorus’s “giant neon” references the signs of country motels as the singer says she’s got “no vacancy” as her heart has already been taken. Witty lyrics have also become a signature of Tiger La Flor with lines such as “Sugar, you should fix your aim / ‘Cause I’m retired from the game,” keeping the song’s tone playful.
“No Vacancy” is a carefree but well-constructed blend of 70s Americana and retro-pop that balances storytelling with having a good time. Tiger La Flor continues to define herself with a distinct sound that is sure to only grow more popular.
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