Biography
Chicago's the Smith Westerns pursued teenage kicks through a home-brewed blend of garage, glam, and punk, drawing their youthful vigor from an authentic source: when the group issued its debut album, none of the members had yet reached legal drinking age. Max Kakacek and Cullen Omori launched the band in 2007 while both attended Chicago's Northside College Preparatory School. Exposure to '60s garage rock via the Nuggets and Back from the Grave compilations convinced the pair that the style required little technical mastery, so they began teaching themselves guitar. They soon recruited Cullen's brother Cameron Omori on bass, with the trio rotating drum duties until the Smith Westerns coalesced. Within twelve months the band secured slots at premier Chicago venues such as Schuba's and the Empty Bottle, supplementing those appearances with frequent house-party gigs that cultivated a devoted local audience.
By 2008 Hal James had joined as the permanent drummer, and HoZac Records—an imprint that began as an extension of the punk 'zine Horizontal Action—issued the group's first 7", a three-track single containing "Irukandji," "Crabman," and "Spiritus Sanctus." The pressing sold out twice in rapid succession. In June 2009 HoZac followed with the vinyl-only self-titled debut album, on which the Smith Westerns expanded their palette to embrace '70s glam alongside their established punk and garage leanings. Steady touring ensued, highlighted by a package excursion alongside Nobunny in which the Smith Westerns opened the shows and then served as his backing band.
The 2010 split single with the Magic Kids on Fat Possum showcased the band's most refined material to date, even as several members simultaneously enrolled in college while pledging to continue recording. That pursuit of a smoother aesthetic reached fuller expression on the second album, Dye It Blonde, released in January 2011. Brian Chase of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and John Eatherly of Turbo Fruits supplied drums, and Chris Coady handled production. After completing more than 140 concerts, the group returned to the studio in 2012 with the same producer but switched to Mom + Pop Records, resulting in the 2013 release Soft Will. The Smith Westerns declared their dissolution in 2014. Cullen Omori subsequently embarked on a solo career, while Julien Ehrlich and Max Kakacek formed the band Whitney.
By 2008 Hal James had joined as the permanent drummer, and HoZac Records—an imprint that began as an extension of the punk 'zine Horizontal Action—issued the group's first 7", a three-track single containing "Irukandji," "Crabman," and "Spiritus Sanctus." The pressing sold out twice in rapid succession. In June 2009 HoZac followed with the vinyl-only self-titled debut album, on which the Smith Westerns expanded their palette to embrace '70s glam alongside their established punk and garage leanings. Steady touring ensued, highlighted by a package excursion alongside Nobunny in which the Smith Westerns opened the shows and then served as his backing band.
The 2010 split single with the Magic Kids on Fat Possum showcased the band's most refined material to date, even as several members simultaneously enrolled in college while pledging to continue recording. That pursuit of a smoother aesthetic reached fuller expression on the second album, Dye It Blonde, released in January 2011. Brian Chase of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and John Eatherly of Turbo Fruits supplied drums, and Chris Coady handled production. After completing more than 140 concerts, the group returned to the studio in 2012 with the same producer but switched to Mom + Pop Records, resulting in the 2013 release Soft Will. The Smith Westerns declared their dissolution in 2014. Cullen Omori subsequently embarked on a solo career, while Julien Ehrlich and Max Kakacek formed the band Whitney.
Albums
