Westside Cowboy is riding a wave right now, and the new single “Shells” only sharpens their momentum into something unstoppable. Fresh from winning Glastonbury’s Emerging Talent Competition, cash prize, Woodsies stage slot and all, the Manchester four-piece of Aoife Anson O’Connell, James (Jimmy) Bradbury, Paddy Murphy and Reuben Haycocks have dropped a track that somehow matches the buzz.
“Shells” is a glorious mix of tangled harmonies, fuzzed-out guitars, and whip-smart rhythm changes that leave you punch-drunk in the best way. Every member brings their flair: what starts slow gradually builds to see four distinct voices, four competing melodies, crashing against each other before snapping into jaw-dropping unity. It’s this scrappy, communal energy. Think classic ’60s spirit, modern lo-fi, double denim chaos, Big Star or The Silver Jews and much more.
Following on quickly from their hit indie debut single, Westside Cowboy doesn’t just clear the bar, they kick it into orbit, taking their self-dubbed ‘Britainicana’ sound out on an expansive ride. Open full throttle. They’re fully formed here: lo-fi but surgically melodic and weirdly pure. What starts out being jammed together in a bedroom finds a rare new form and is crafted into fine indie pop.
Live, they’re becoming the stuff of legend already. Small venue sellouts around the UK are being hailed like cult events, and now with Black Country, New Road tour dates looming, that conversation is set to grow. When a band is personally evangelised by the likes of Ezra Furman, English Teacher, and Blondshell before even dropping their second single, you know you’re witnessing something special.
