Soft Will
Though Chicago\'s Smith Westerns continue to expand their sound far away from their lo-fi beginnings, they haven\'t lost the wistful longing that makes their music such a serious headgame. Layers of instrumentation add some high-class psychedelia to the final instrumental pieces of \"XXIII,\" which starts like The Beach Boys gone sadcore before the final Pink Floyd–like grandstand, all in four and a half minutes. Producer Chris Coady (Beach House, Wavves) keeps the soft-focus lens on the group, giving such powerful pop exercises as \"Fool Proof\" and \"Best Friend\" an endearing sense of mystery that requires dozens of replays to fully appreciate the depths of emotion and harmonic weaving. \"White Oath\" shows a touch of John Lennon–to–Oasis balladry in its soothing early-morning gait. \"Cheer Up\" takes everyone back to the sockhop for a last dance before \"Varsity\" sends us on our way with another nostalgic look back to a past that few have had but many wish could be their own.
On Smith Westerns’ latest, Soft Will, the band still sounds like a bunch of cocky kids with a preternatural understanding of 1970s glam rock aesthetics and the physics of power pop songcraft. But the swagger has been tempered along with the tempos, showing off a new preference for stately balladry over snotty stompers.
On Smith Westerns’ latest, Soft Will, the band still sounds like a bunch of cocky kids with a preternatural understanding of 1970s glam rock aesthetics and the physics of power pop songcraft. But the swagger has been tempered along with the tempos, showing off a new preference for stately balladry over snotty stompers.
After four years of dutifully traveling the road to rock-band relevance—from high-school origins to forgoing college in favor of endless touring—Chicago indie-pop outfit Smith Westerns have either matured or just tuckered themselves out. Following two albums of irresistibly vibrant and scrappy garage-glam anthems, the…
After four years of dutifully traveling the road to rock-band relevance—from high-school origins to forgoing college in favor of endless touring—Chicago indie-pop outfit Smith Westerns have either matured or just tuckered themselves out. Following two albums of irresistibly vibrant and scrappy garage-glam anthems, the…
With album number three, Smith Westerns put away childish things and attempt a more introspective and intricate sound.
With album number three, Smith Westerns put away childish things and attempt a more introspective and intricate sound.
Only four years separate Soft Will, Smith Westerns' third studio album, with their buzz-worthy debut.
Only four years separate Soft Will, Smith Westerns' third studio album, with their buzz-worthy debut.
Back in April, Smith Westerns spoke to Pitchfork about what it felt like to return to Chicago after almost two years on the road.
Back in April, Smith Westerns spoke to Pitchfork about what it felt like to return to Chicago after almost two years on the road.
Review Of Smith Westerns "Soft Will". "Soft Will" by Smith Westerns will be released 6/25 via Mom + Pop Records. "Idol" is the latest single on "Soft Will"
Review Of Smith Westerns "Soft Will". "Soft Will" by Smith Westerns will be released 6/25 via Mom + Pop Records. "Idol" is the latest single on "Soft Will"