Steel guitarist Mike "Slo Mo" Brenner contributed to the band's recordings, an arrangement and sonic result similar to Bruce Kaphan's work with American Music Club.
In a city best known for its soul and R & B artists, One Star Hotel stood out because of a sound more reminiscent of alternative country or Americana music.
Originally called Stereo Field, the band changed its name to One Star Hotel before the release of its first, self-titled album in 2003.
A second disc, Good Morning, West Gordon was released in November 2004, garnering favorable reviews in a number of American newspapers, magazines, and web-based music sites.
Tom Moon of The Philadelphia Inquirer characterized Yutzy-Burkey's musical style as "convey[ing] torn-apartnesss without even trying... transforming those overworked three chords into something almost magical again."