Following a successful 2016, on the back of their banging single “Atomic Blonde,” Rebel Westerns have returned with a brand new track. “Envy” is the latest offering from the Edinburgh based five-piece as they make a play for a burgeoning corner of the music scene, already filled with uber successful indie-poppers The 1975 and renowned electro-pop band Passion Pit.
One thing that cannot be denied about Rebel Westerns is that they expertly compile hook-laden, catchy songs, earworms if you like, that wouldn’t sound out of place on mainstream radio the world over. There is a catch though. Where Rebel Westerns succeed in producing memorable pop music, they lack in finding their own voice, their own definitive sound; something that would mark them from an already bustling crowd.
“Envy” could be an unreleased b-side taken from The 1975’s most recent album. It’s just a little too similar. It’s just a little too derivative. That’s not to say Rebel Westerns aren’t destined for bigger things. Their potential is huge and lies in their ability to produce danceable anthems, indie disco classics prompting swathes of clubbers to jump to their feet hot stepping around the dance floor. The direction they choose is entirely in their own hands. I for one, will be interested to discover how their sound develops over the next few releases.
“Envy” by Rebel Westerns is in stores now via Get Strange.
