There’s something undeniably thrilling about discovering a band that feels both familiar and utterly fresh. Westside Cowboy’s debut album, It Goes On, is one of those rare records that manages to pull off this delicate balance. On the surface, they’re doing nothing groundbreaking—drawling vocals, tangled guitars, abstract lyrics, and passionate harmonies are all well-trodden territory in indie rock. But what makes this particularly fascinating is how they infuse these elements with a raw, explosive energy that feels entirely their own. It’s like they’ve taken the blueprint of ’90s indie rock and injected it with a modern, almost reckless vitality.
Personally, I think what sets Westside Cowboy apart is their ability to make the old feel new. It’s easy to dismiss them as just another band borrowing from Pavement, Wilco, or Teenage Fanclub—and yes, those influences are undeniable. But here’s the thing: they’re not just copying; they’re reimagining. Their single ‘Pin Up Boys’ is a perfect example. It starts with a muted, almost hesitant energy, but then—bam—it explodes into a cacophony of fuzzed-out guitars and thunderous drums. What many people don’t realize is that this kind of build isn’t just about dynamics; it’s about emotional release. You don’t need to understand the lyrics to feel the urgency, the desperation, the joy.
If you take a step back and think about it, this is what music should do—it should transcend words and hit you in the gut. Westside Cowboy does that effortlessly. And what’s even more impressive is that they’ve only been a band for three years. These are kids who met in a Manchester conservatory, messing around with folk and skiffle covers, and somehow stumbled into creating something that feels both polished and raw. In my opinion, their organic approach—doing everything live, no studio tricks—is what gives their sound its authenticity.
One thing that immediately stands out is their collaborative spirit. Reuben Haycocks might be the de facto bandleader, but all four members take turns on lead vocals. This democratic approach isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a reflection of their shared vision. It’s as if they’re saying, ‘We’re all in this together,’ and that unity is palpable in every track. This raises a deeper question: Can this kind of collective energy be sustained as they grow? Or is it something that only exists in the early, chaotic days of a band?
Now, let’s talk about the Geese comparison. It’s inevitable, and I’ll admit, there are similarities—the frenzied guitars, the angular rhythms, the sense of racing against time. But here’s where Westside Cowboy diverges: they’re not as polished, not as glamorous. Instead, they have this starry-eyed, almost wholesome quality that feels like a throwback to traditional folk music. A detail that I find especially interesting is how they manage to sound both chaotic and melodic at the same time. It’s like they’re channeling the spirit of punk while writing pop hooks.
What this really suggests is that Westside Cowboy isn’t just a band—they’re a phenomenon. They’re not trying to reinvent the wheel, but they’re spinning it so fast that it feels like they are. Tracks like ‘Well Done Kid, You Did It’ and ‘Coyote’ are perfect examples of this. They’re not afraid to quote the greats—Bob Dylan, Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Velvet Underground—but they do it with such humility and enthusiasm that it never feels like a rip-off.
In a world where debut albums often feel safe and calculated, It Goes On is a breath of fresh air. It’s messy, it’s loud, it’s unapologetically ambitious. And yet, there’s this underlying sense of wonder, like these kids are still figuring out what they’re capable of. From my perspective, that’s what makes this album so special. It’s not just music; it’s a statement—a declaration that rock isn’t dead, it’s just waiting for the right people to bring it back to life.
So, is Westside Cowboy the future of indie rock? Maybe, maybe not. But one thing’s for sure: they’ve got the energy, the talent, and the heart to make you believe in it again. And in a world where cynicism often reigns, that’s no small feat.
