Checking Into the Noise Hotel

• JAN. 5, 2026
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• WRITTEN BY ISLA GRAY

After my first time seeing Noise Hotel in concert, or as they like to say, “Checking into the Noise Hotel,” I was hooked. An indie rock band formed in Ottawa, Noise Hotel brings a fresh and unforgettable presence to the greater Toronto indie scene. Their sound is reminiscent of bands like The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, and The Backseat Lovers, which combine elements of garage, surf, and indie rock. They have brought a unique energy to the stage, playing shows at iconic venues like The Cameron House and Tranzac Club. The lead singer and guitarist, Eric Montpool, not only performs with intense enthusiasm, but also interacts with the audience, makes jokes, and dances his heart out on stage. Entering the venue, you’ll find members of the band striking up conversations with concertgoers; even as the opener hits the stage, Noise Hotel is still in the crowd, cheering them on with the rest of the fans. A Noise Hotel concert is simply like no other. It truly feels that, just for one night, you are checking into an experience.

In 2023, Noise Hotel released their debut EP, A Traveller’s Guide, featuring six songs, including their hit track “Diet Cigarette.” The entire EP, though particularly the cover art and the first song “A Traveller’s Guide to The Noise Hotel,” is reminiscent of vintage travel brochures and television programs. The EP acts as a perfect introduction to Noise Hotel, capturing the variety in their discography. Songs like “In My Hands” and “Yesterdays” bring a more upbeat and lively feel to the EP while “Fairy Tale Houses” showcases their more chill energy. A Traveller’s Guide is really just that, a quick intro to a great band.

During their September 20th performance at The Cameron House, Noise Hotel played a range of songs from A Traveller’s Guide as well as their debut album, Poolside Fantasy, multiple singles, and even a few covers. Each song was a crowd pleaser, but to me, there was one standout of the night: “Diet Cigarette,” their hit single with over 38 thousand Spotify streams, was by far the most energetic song played. Montpool made his way into the crowd and instructed us to do one thing: jump. Not only was this such a fun and dynamic moment, but it also created an intimate environment, both within the crowd and between the band members and fans. Dancing with strangers and seeing their enthusiasm, especially Noise Hotel, truly made me feel like I was connecting with everyone around me. Overall, singing and dancing along to “Diet Cigarette” was such a thrill and a definite peak of my concert-going experience.

So, what’s next for Noise Hotel? In November, they toured their new single “Burning Pictures,” a song that expresses the pain of moving on. It’s an extremely relatable song, exuding feelings of nostalgia and yearning. Definitely give it a listen if you have a chance. You can find Noise Hotel on Spotify, Apple Music, and Instagram, or check out their website. From me to you, check into the Noise Hotel, even for just one night, you’ll be sure to enjoy your stay.