Manchester quartet Westside Cowboy will release their debut album, It Goes On, on August 21 via Island Records, preceded by the new single “Pin Up Boys.” The band has also confirmed a series of record store performances across the UK to support the release, following their lead single “Kick Stones (The Boys).”
How is Westside Cowboy approaching their debut album release?
The band is prioritizing a raw, authentic sound that mirrors their live performances. According to the band, “Pin Up Boys” was written a year and a half ago using an acoustic guitar, a drum machine sample pad and some screwdrivers as drumsticks. The quartet decided to keep the studio recording faithful to their live interpretation of the song, noting that the track had become “set in its ways.”
Producer Loren Humphrey, known for his work with Geese, Cameron Winter, and Wunderhorse, oversaw the recording sessions at Greenmount Studios in Leeds. Vocalist and guitarist Reuben Haycocks previously told NME that the project is centered on removing the pressure of perfectionism, stating that the music became more authentic once they stopped forcing a specific sound.
Where can fans see Westside Cowboy live?
Westside Cowboy has scheduled a run of record store shows to coincide with the album launch in late August and early September. Tickets for these dates go on sale Thursday, July 2. These performances supplement the band’s already-announced UK and European tour dates.
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| August 19 | Brighton, Resident |
| August 20 | London, Rough Trade East |
| August 25 | Leeds, Jumbo |
| August 27 | Liverpool, Rough Trade |
| September 3 | Nottingham, Rough Trade |
| September 4 | Glasgow, Assai |
What is the aesthetic behind the new music?
The band’s sonic direction draws from classic guitar sounds. Their lead single, “Kick Stones (The Boys),” was described by the band as a “mad, ’70s rock” track. The music video for “Pin Up Boys” was directed by Jack Shep of Saturday Night Live UK. The band’s focus remains on high-energy, guitar-driven music that they feel represents a return to “fun” in songwriting.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Westside Cowboy debut album released?
It Goes On is scheduled for release on August 21 via Island Records.
Who produced the upcoming album?
The album was produced by Loren Humphrey at Greenmount Studios in Leeds.
When do tickets for the record store shows go on sale?
Tickets for the record store tour are set to go on sale on Thursday, July 2.
Are you planning to catch Westside Cowboy on their upcoming tour? Let us know in the comments below or share this article with fellow fans of the Manchester indie scene.
