Review: Smith Westerns - Dye It Blonde

Chicago's Smith Westerns are normally a "lo-fi" sounding group, with their second LP they have cleaned up their sound considerably. There is still enough reverb and echo to make this album decidedly indie. The album opens up with "Weekend", the first few notes a tinkling throwback to the Beach Boys' "Wouldn't It Be Nice" then breaks into a rousing and fuzzy guitar lick. The John Lennon homage "Imagine Pt. 3" is a perfect mix of synth and guitars with dreamy overlaying vocals from frontman Cullen Omori. The song "All Die Young" starts off with with organ piping before breaking into 70's psychedelic excess. The album is rich with a guitar rock sound with the right amount of polish. The vocal work comes off as almost woozy and love-struck at times and it works beautifully with the dueling guitar lines and classic indie percussion. My only problem is the length, at 10 songs the album leaves you definitely wanting more. The band has put together a groovy and classic sounding rock album that is sure to improve you mood and makes you want to sing along. 4 out of 5