SMITH WESTERNS - "SOFT WILL"

Artist: Smith Westerns

Album: Soft Will

Label: Mom + Pop

Release Date: June 25^th, 2013

Review by: Sean Kayden

Chicago based garage-glam band Smith Westerns return with their third record, “Soft Will.” This time around, the young men weave down the road of nostalgia and most of themes that usually goes hand in hand with reflecting back on good times and bad. This album, unlike the previous two, has a more mature sound. Perhaps that’s a sign that the boys are growing up even if the transition isn’t entirely the smoothest. While their previous records, “Smith Westerns” and “Dye It Blonde” boasted a vintage power-pop sound, their latest endeavor takes a more relaxed approach. The passion of their earlier material may appear to be missing, but don’t be alarmed. In replace of the fervor is the attempt at becoming better songwriters by creating more pop-oriented songs. Their earnest attempt actually pays off in a bigger way than I first imagined. Devoted followers of the group may be turned off as the abundance in enthusiasm greatly found on their first two albums seems to be absent. However, if you can respect the band for trying something new then “Soft Will” may surprise you for what it both is and isn’t.

“Soft Will” is a very subtle experience. I never became entirely enamored with the ten tracks. I did, however, find small things I enjoyed while traveling down this road. In the forty minutes of music that Smith Westerns will guide you on, the songs, like previous ones, still have big hooks. However, the material is a lot calmer while basking in the mid-tempo range. The lo-fi garage pop that occupied the first two albums has been substituted for shimmering, dreamy-guitar laden riffs that make up a more expansive sound than ever before. A number of the tracks including “Fool Proof” and “White Oath” have guitar solos in them. Both are solid tracks off the record that are more structured than anything on “Dye It Blonde.” Smith Westerns definitely went for a more traditional way of approaching their new record and the result is more or less a winning one.

The track that really slows things down in not such a good way is the completely instrumental tune, “XXIII.” It probably would have benefited more with lyrics in the forefront alas leaving the listener without much to grasp onto otherwise. “Cheer Up” reminds me of 50s bubble gum pop played at a high school dance. It’s the only track less than three minutes long, but never less satisfying. “Varsity” closes the album with a nostalgic vibe as it opens up with dreamy guitars. The closer includes a wordless chorus, which a few other songs seem to do as well here. One of the best tracks is the slow-burning pop track, “Best Friend.” It’s a beautifully constructed and utterly romantic track. Additionally, it benefits from terrific, memorable guitar solo. Clearly Smith Westerns have a knack for creating indelible pop songs. At first listen, I wasn’t exactly sure how I felt about “Soft Will.” After repeatedly listens, the record definitely grows on you in such a way that’s difficult to shake loose. “Soft Will” may not be completely captivating as a whole, but with a number of terrific tracks, an altered approach to their trademark sound, and a resonance that can be listened in any season of the year, the album almost touches greatness. Strangely enough I seem to find the listening experience becoming more and more memorable with each and every listen. For the time being, Smith Westerns is the unexpected sound carrying me through the summer.

Grade: 7.5 out of 10
Key Tracks: “Idol,” “Fool Proof,” “Best Friend,” “Varsity”

Published by Mountain Views News on July 13th, 2013
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v07/htm/n28/p14.htm