The Western Civilization are a Texas, USA-based indie rock collaborative with a rolling cast of contributors, led by songwriters Reggie O’Farrell and Rachel Hansbro. They’ve just come to my attention through the release of their latest album.
By Graeme Smith
Feature photo by Jack Potts
Fractions of a Whole is a fully DIY project with The Western Civilization taking charge of its production from start to finish, and was recorded mostly at Reggie’s home studio in Austin. As a result it feels like a very personal collection. You can hear the love and effort from Reggie, Rachel and friends in every finely-crafted note.
Reggie and Rachel have been working together since 2005, with The Western Civilization a side project while both were in different bands. It quickly turned into their first love and not even an eight year break could stop them putting out music under the name.
Musically, they can be compared to American indie bands like Broken Social Scene, Modest Mouse, and Bright Eyes, but the comparison isn’t exact. The Western Civilization is bringing something new and unique to the genre. Reggie’s production adds splashes of the unexpected while Rachel’s storytelling lyrics will stick with you.
Noctambulism eases us into the record with its pensive, thoughtful, slow-burning, piano-led composition while the trio of highlights Stiches, Bible Verses for Kids and If You’re Lucky give us rhythmic, nostalgic healing, fiery subversion, and lively, textured introspection in equal measure.
Elsewhere we get a collection of folk rock tracks ruminating on life’s tribulations and contradictions. Fool is raw and visceral, My Mess brings together delicate acoustic guitar with rousing percussion, and The Snake and The Saint is expansive and ecclesiastical. By the time you reach introspective album closer Proselytism, you’re going to need to take a deep breath and reflect on the emotional journey on which you’ve been.
Featuring on Fractions of a Whole are Rachel Hansbro on vocals, guitars and piano, Reggie O’Farrell on vocals, guitars, piano, synths, bass and electronic programming, John Boyd on drums, Bob Lane on bass, trumpet and auxiliary percussion, and Angie Holliday on vocals, keys and acoustic guitar. You can give the album a listen below.
