Chicago-based The Smith Westerns combines the psychedelic pop feel of MGMT with obvious rock influences (David Bowie and T. Rex), but the band’s concept is clearly and refreshingly original.
The opener, “Weekend,” sets the mood of the entire album with its smooth, trance-inducing melodies and soft vocals. Dye It Blonde listens like a dream, with romantic and charming lyrics like, “The sun still shines and it shines right on you.” Like the song’s namesake, it’s hard not to “Smile” when listening to this band.
To perfect the band’s likeability factor, the album includes “Imagine Pt.3,” a John Lennon tribute. Another track, “Dance Away,” is not the only tune on the album that will tempt you to twirl ‘round and ‘round with a silly grin on your face and stars in your eyes.
It’s evident that band members Cullen Omori, Cameron Omori and Max Kakacek put forth plenty of heart when producing the album in Kakacek’s basement. The band seems to have come a long way in refining its image and sound since its self-titled debut on HoZac Records in 2009. Dye It Blonde is a brilliant and easy listen, with prevalent reverb and old-school charm.
The Smith Westerns play the Drunken Unicorn on Tuesday, Feb. 1., at 9 p.m. Yuck and Moodrings open the show, and the Black Lips will DJ in the cafe afterward, with Ol King Cole Younger and DJ Jihad. Tickets for the 18-and-up show are $8 in advance or $10 at the door.
