“It’s easier to think you’re dumb, like you were before” reflects Smith Westerns vocalist Cullen Omori over the gently building introduction to their third album, Soft Will. And then the band erupt into anthemic “Whoa yeah”s over chiming guitars and 3AM Spiritual assures us that, while this band may be older and wiser, they still have an earnest, youthful spring their step.
This Chicago trio evolved from garage to glam on their last two albums and now push forward to a more poppy and relaxed sound with a high-quality finish. Their third album encapsulates the best of Britpop, but also what came well before it (namely, The Beatles). And yet, despite its obvious influences, Smith Westerns once again come off sounding vital and refreshing.
Opener 3AM Spiritual is an obvious highlight, but it’s trumped by the shimmering closing track, Varsity. Idol snatches the prize for the most show-stopping chorus, while the Air-like XXIII rolls on from the fleeting Glossed to great effect. After the radiant Fool Proof, there’s a slump into lesser work until Varsity, but this observation is more about the strength of the bulk of the material than anything else. Soft Will ticks all the boxes for an exhilarating summer album (that we can make do with for winter) and it also shows a more subtle, sadder side to the band. Going soft suits them.
BY CHRIS GIRDLER
Best Track: Varsity
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