Review / 200 Words Or Less
Western Settings
Old Pain

Ever wondered what it would sound like if Off With Their Heads and Iron Chic had a baby? Well, even if you haven't, you need to check out Western Settings. With the help of Chicken (Dead to Me), they've produced a release that builds off the melodic punk rock they premiered last year with their LP, Yes It Is. They're back with the follow-up EP, Old Pain, and they've really outdone themselves.

Western Settings have been described as sounding like one of those bands that "put their hearts on their sleeve." Once you give Old Pain a listen, you'll completely understand. Opener "Wondeful Multiple Episodes" is rife with desperation that's backed with energy and emotion. The lead riffs wax and wane on tracks like "Champion Schizo" and the instrumental, "Swells." Yet, they still find the time to pack a punch with closer "Duncan" on this short 6-song EP.

Old Pain is one of the best EPs released this year and stacks up with some of 2016's best Punk-Rock full lengths. You'll find yourself singing along and feeling every bit of sentimentality that oozes from these songs. Don't sleep on it.