Rich and sunny guitar riffs glisten through “Devils Sing” as the frantic rhythms become a mix of Talking Heads and Palma Violets. The song’s constantly burning spirit sets it apart however for a listen that is as soothing as it is invigorating at its loudest moments. Through its ringing bells, “Talk About It” keeps itself a little brighter than the heaps of fast indie rock that it follows, for a track that will make you want to dance rather than just mosh. Simple and to the point, Western Medication keep this song fun but not overtly deep.

Though “This Heaven Underground” is a smooth and incredibly relaxing tune, it often lacks many of the proper edges to feel like a distinct piece of music. This said however, it soars on full album listens as an emotionally tender and mature track. After this rather straightforward track, both the psychedelic sounds and bizarre production of “Taste” make it a real treat for the ears. It’s worth noting however between all the unusual hip hop tones in the mix, there’s some truly amazing writing to be picked through on this track as well.

“Year Ender” tells a heartwarming story of reunion as its sparse arrangements bloom into ecstatic guitar pop at a moment’s notice. While it’s lo-fi synths can feel silly on their own, they become more fitting with the rest of the instrumentation around it. The fast riffing of “I Wanna Know Where The Gold At” makes for a preppy and exciting listen that will brighten your day easily. Even with its simplistic writing, the track’s emotional weight is what really makes it so fun to listen to.

The massive riffs of “September Summers” quickly open up into an effects laden pool of sound where Western Medication reflect on the times behind them. It’s the dense way they amp up the sound however that give the song a real jolt and make its sound something worth hearing. As Western Medication pull from bits of Brit-pop and 90’s sounds on “An Elephant” there’s something nostalgic to their heartfelt crooning. While it may feel somewhat derivative, the wealth of instrumentation they bring to the sound is truly amazing to hear.

“Teenage Bliss” riffs out with a fiery set of guitars and a slow-burning fury to make you really want to get up by the time they settle into their beats. As the longest track on the album, it keeps its energy going from beginning to end, and sets spirits high with glorious-sounding harmonies. “Rites Of Spring” closes out the album on a hazy and desert-like trip, as slide-guitars echo out into nothingness. As cool as this feeling is, it’s a rather downbeat way to take out the album.

Words by Owen Maxwell