Westona by Pray TV: A Glimpse Into Indie Rock’s Golden Hour
Let’s talk about Westona, the 2005 gem from Australian indie rockers Pray TV. If you’re into raw, unfiltered vibes that blend rock, alternative, and pop/rock with a dash of something uniquely “Down Under,” this album is worth your time. Released via The Hypnotized Label and Shock, it’s one of those records where every track feels like flipping through someone’s diary—messy but honest.
The brainchild of producer Andy MacPherson, engineer Dave McCluney, and some killer contributions (shoutout to Kiernan Box on keyboards and Jen Anderson on viola), Westona doesn’t try too hard. And honestly? That’s what makes it stick.
Now, let me zoom in on two tracks that still echo in my head long after the needle lifts off the record—or, ya know, after I hit pause on Spotify.
First up: “Into the Blue.” This song hits different. It's got this driving rhythm that feels like cruising down an empty highway at night. The guitars are crunchy yet melodic, and the vocals have this raspy charm that just grabs you by the collar. There’s no big fireworks here—just a solid groove and lyrics dripping with longing. Every time I hear it, I’m reminded of those moments when life feels both infinite and totally out of reach.
Then there’s “Don’t Waste My Time.” Oh man, this one’s got attitude for days. It starts with this punchy riff that immediately screams, “Pay attention!” The energy never drops—it’s like they took all their frustration, rolled it into a ball, and threw it straight at your face. What sticks with me most is how unapologetic it feels. Like, yeah, we’ve all met people who drain our patience, right? This track lets you vent without having to say a word.
But here’s the thing about Westona: it’s not perfect. Some songs blur together, and sure, maybe the production could’ve been shinier. But honestly? That’s kinda why I love it. It’s real. Imperfect. Human.
And hey, fun fact—there are repeats in the tracklist. Like, multiple versions of “Stay (Or Stay Away)” and “Far To Fall.” At first, I thought it was a mistake. Then I realized it’s kinda genius. It’s like Pray TV saying, “Hey, listen again. Did you catch everything?” Spoiler: You probably didn’t.
Reflecting on Westona, I can’t help but think about how music used to feel more personal before algorithms ruled our playlists. Listening to this album feels like finding an old mixtape in the backseat of a borrowed car. Sure, it might be scratched up, but that only adds character.
So if you’re hunting for something that’ll make you nostalgic for a time you didn’t even live through, give Westona a spin. Just don’t blame me if “Into the Blue” gets stuck in your head for weeks.
P.S. Does anyone else wonder what happened to bands like Pray TV? Or am I just getting old?
