Philadelphians are likely familiar with A Country Western as a rock band with ties to the slowcore genre, gaining popularity alongside acts like They Are Gutting A Body Of Water (TAGABOW), Knifeplay, full body 2, and 22° Halo. Their latest album, Life on the Lawn, released today, represents their debut work under the Pittsburgh-based label Crafted Sounds, marking a shift from their previous independent releases. With the band expanding from two to four members, they have garnered over 40K monthly listeners on Spotify leading up to this release.
From the onset of the opening track “Great is the Grip of the Hawk,” it is evident that A Country Western is venturing into a more dynamic and vibrant direction. Recorded primarily in their practice space in South Philly, the new album showcases a departure from the softer, electronic elements present in their 2021 release birdfeeder. Tracks like “Keeping up with the Joneses” hint at this shift towards a more lively rock sound, albeit with a touch of unpredictability in the production.
The atmospheric B-section of “Sidewalk” offers a sense of familiarity, leading into an extended guitar solo that eases listeners into the album. On the other hand, “The Dreamer” steers towards a more pop-oriented direction, serving as the album’s lead single. While it may come across as more conventional, it sets the stage for a subsequent six-minute progressive journey. “The Spine” introduces poignant chord progressions and rhythmic guitar strums characteristic of the “slowcore” or “shoegaze” genres. This segment of the album truly hits its stride, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in its evolving soundscape.
Described as a “power pop” record, the band appears to be distancing themselves from previous labels, embracing a more energetic sound. Derek Hengemihle’s laid-back vocals adapt seamlessly to this shift, albeit occasionally obscured by added distortion. Winter’s ethereal guest vocals on “How Far” blend delicately with the layers of guitars, offering a subtle yet compelling contrast to the track’s grittier undertones.
?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/quality,q_90/format,webp)
“Ridgeline” transitions into a series of concise rock tracks that showcase the band’s songwriting finesse. While electric guitar leads shine throughout the album, “Magnetic” stands out for its skillful utilization of these elements. Tracks like “For A Voter” evoke raw emotion through powerful guitar riffs, balancing accessibility with individuality.
The acoustic nuances of “Hiding Out” serve as a stylistic shift, leading into the poignant crescendo of the final track. The expansive guitar solo on “Wasting the Weekends” delivers a moment of introspection, blending simplicity, noise, and melancholy characteristic of alternative rock subgenres. This culmination encapsulates the essence of Philadelphia’s DIY music scene in recent years.
Life on the Lawn may appear as a significant departure for A Country Western, yet beneath the polished singles lies their enduring DIY ethos. The album reflects a transition towards a more “live band” sound while preserving their authentic charm. This evolution mirrors the trajectory taken by Another Michael with Wishes To Fulfill last year, albeit with distinct sonic outcomes. Despite shedding some lo-fi aesthetics, A Country Western offers memorable hooks and infectious energy while staying true to their introspective songwriting roots.
Following a series of live performances leading up to the album release, A Country Western is set to perform in Philadelphia twice this spring: supporting Glitterer at the First Unitarian Church on April 19th and alongside Hurry and Cloud Nothings at The Foundry on May 8th. Life on the Lawn is now available for streaming and purchase, with physical copies accessible through designated outlets.