Smith Westerns
Dye It Blonde
I have come to a realization. Not every recording has to be an epic juggernaut. Sometimes, the little record that could can be just right for your musical indulgences. The Smith Western’s second effort, Dye It Blonde, separates itself from their previous garage rock influences and introduce a throwback sound with a combination of 90’s Britpop and The Beatles. Moving out of the basement and into a glossy studio with legendary producer, Chris Coady, at the helm, the band composes heavyhearted, thoughtful songs. The tracks blow hot and cold – some cheery and some gloomy. It’s something you can dance to, for better or for worse, with lush harmonies wrapped tightly around spoken word vocals. On “End of the Night,” Cullen Omori sings, “Everybody wants to be a star on a Saturday night. Come with me baby and your eyes shine the sunlight.” The lyrics put his feelings on display – like an audible journal entry – passing down the effect of a drunken, lovesick teenager onto the listener. This stirring album has won me over for now, but I can’t go the length to say it’s a hit. It grabs the heart but not the soul.