Lauren Housley & The Northern Cowboys - “Something More”

SXSW 2024 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 2

Pairs Well With…Sir Woman, The Suffers, Lake Street Dive

Shout out to the killer soul bands out there, the space that Lauren Housley & The Northern Cowboys crush on their debut EP Something More. Armed with a thick, rich vocal, Housley sounds uncommonly natural while belting out classic R&B licks on Something More, a timeless instrument hitting with effortlessness. The band sounds huge as well, horns assisting a cinematic pop/rock grounding, a little jazzy while still focused on finely crafted songwriting. Their music is full-on throwback - if these were top-spinning 45s off a dusty jukebox, I wouldn’t know the difference. Housley has a couple solo records before this refurbished, band-focused effort with The Northern Cowboys, but it’s best to think of this as a true introduction for the romantic, swaying sound they’re laying down on Something More. (Kevin McStravick)