New Misery

On *New Misery*, Cullen Omori creates dazzling, glam-infused indie rock with sparkling, expansive instrumentation. Inspired by the Top 40 pop played at his medical-supply company day job, Omori drenches these songs in blurry reverb, as heard in the title track’s swaying ’60s haze or in the echoing drums, spacey harmonies, and dreamy melancholia of “No Big Deal.” The slow-burning “And Yet the World Still Turns” distills everything that makes this album great: blissful, enveloping ambience fused with pure pop wizardry.

The lead singer of the now-defunct Smith Westerns steps out with a solo debut that furthers the emotional trajectory of his former band while offering a softer approach.

The lead singer of the now-defunct Smith Westerns steps out with a solo debut that furthers the emotional trajectory of his former band while offering a softer approach.

25-year-old Cullen Omori has woken up from his Smith Westerns dream, and New Misery is his attempt to start living.

25-year-old Cullen Omori has woken up from his Smith Westerns dream, and New Misery is his attempt to start living.

Before he was old enough to drink, Cullen Omori was already responsible for some of the most irresistible glam rock this side of glitter paradise.

Before he was old enough to drink, Cullen Omori was already responsible for some of the most irresistible glam rock this side of glitter paradise.

Another skinny kid singing about the human condition might not sound essential but Omori brings a swaggering grandeur that outstrips many of his contemporaries

Another skinny kid singing about the human condition might not sound essential but Omori brings a swaggering grandeur that outstrips many of his contemporaries