Smith Westerns

This self-titled debut by Chicago, IL's Smith Westerns came out almost a year-and-a-half ago, but the band are still riding the wave of hype that greeted its initial release. The LP was originally released via the underground HoZac Records, and now that the band have signed to Fat Possum, they're bound to attract even more listeners. With ten tracks blazing past in less than 30 minutes of lo-fi grit and yelp-y hooks, this is a perfect garage pop album, even if the band are unconcerned with paving any new ground with their retro rock sound. Occasionally, Smith Westerns resort to pastiche, as on the T. Rex-style boogie of "Girl in Love" or AM pop knock-off "The Glam Goddess." For the most part, Smith Westerns pack their bouncy love songs with enough hooks and nervous energy to make the old sound new again.