The Western Civilization is the band and brainchild of Texas-based duo, Reggie O’Farrell and Rachel Hansbro. They have recently released their latest album “Fractions of a Whole”; clocking in at just under 43 minutes this 10-track body of work takes you through the vibrant and melodic musical beauty these artists are capable of creating!
Opening on “Noctambulism” this album sets its tone just right and the unacquainted are instantly introduced to what this band is all about. Featuring vulnerable and soulful piano keys as well as dueted vocals this track takes you on a gorgeous musical journey that paints vistas of sound as it progresses. Transitioning into the first single of this album, we have “Stitches” which introduces an immediate injection of energy and vibey bars that are a progression of the beauty of the opening. The third track “Bible Verses for Kids” is an anthemic single that really shows off the depth and complexity of the style these two talents are capable of, with a sound that is fresh yet rooted in familiar motifs that we have already heard so far. The fourth and fifth tracks off this record are “She’s By The Sea” and “If You Are Lucky” which bring us folk tunes to close out the first half of this album. The standout track of this album, for me personally at least and what is in my opinion The Western Civilizations’ magnum opus is “Fool” as it perfectly encapsulates all the musical motifs and themes this band is all about. “My Mess” progresses on from “Fool” and carries on the motif of the distinctly more acoustic second half of this album with a wonderful guitar arrangement that is sure to catch your ear and stay an earworm. “The Snake and the Saint” is the last single off this album and represents a small departure from the signature sound you are familiar with at this point with the introduction of more electronic elements into the mix. Closing out this album is “The Ocean’s on the Rise” and “Proselytism” after which you realise you didn't even realise the time passing you by as you were fully captivated by the music.
This album is also an achievement of music production with mixes that are crisp and well-balanced, highlighting the vocals that are the stars of the show on this duo's entire discography. The Western Civilization are artists that routinely conjure up musical magic and are nothing short of warlocks of their craft. So go give their music a listen today and add it to your playlist!
Discovered via https://app.musosoup.com #sustainablecurator