A Country Western, a Philadelphia-based indie rock band, is set to release their fourth album, Audition Tape, via Crafted Sounds on October 21, 2026.

Composed of instrumentalists Derek Hengemihle, Garrett Miades, Erik Hilbert, and Paris Parker, the band has made a name for itself with a sound that blends both loud guitars and sparse moments, playful feedback, and centered vocals. Nearly ten years in the making, this sound continues to expand on Audition Tape.

Throughout the album, listeners can expect to hear sharp dynamics, electronic textures peeking through the space between instrumental passages, and slow burns that span entire tracks. Lyrically, the record explores themes including environmental and government pressures, navigating a hyper-digital society, and personal struggles with self-realization and loss.

In anticipation of the October 21 album release, A Country Western has shared two singles, “Blood Eagle” and “I Found,” offering a glimpse into the record’s broader sound that the band has been perfecting. 

“Blood Eagle” kicks off with a punchy sound that spans the entire track. The vocals have moments to shine but are more sparse than anticipated, allowing for the instrumentals to share in commanding the listeners attention. The darker feel of the song extends into the lyrics, which Erik describes as “a collection of words I felt made a vignette that conjured the same doom and gloom as ‘Beowulf.’”

In contrast, “I Found” focuses on a more mellow approach, built around a steady, catchy beat with an electronic melody layered softly on top. While the rhythm remains consistent throughout, the introduction of vocals and electronic layers keeps the track engaging and the listeners captivated.

“I’m really into the idea of recognizing a good chord progression or riff and sticking to it for a whole song—understanding when you’ve got something that can last. The verse progression felt mellow and soothing when I listened to it for long periods of time on repeat,” Garrett said.

Together, the two singles released prior to the album perfectly showcase A Country Western’s greatest strengths, their dynamic and stylistic range. The remainder of the album is no exception, further expanding on the sound the band has been refining for nearly a decade.

Mark your calendar for October 21, and join us in streaming Audition Tape by A Country Western.