Under the Western Freeway

Release

Under the Western Freeway was released on October 21, 1997.

It was later reissued in the U.S. by V2 Records.

Reception

The album was fairly well-received critically. CMJ New Music Monthly described it as "an eccentric psych-pop collection". Andy Gill of The Independent called it "one of the most beguiling debuts of the year [...] a fortuitous collision of Brian Wilson, Neil Young and the Pixies which throws out a stream of understated pop gems". AllMusic noted similarities to the bands Pavement and Weezer, and described it as "a fairly brilliant album, combining a warm, earnest and rustic feel with sometimes goofy experimentation". Frontman Jason Lytle's vocal performance was also praised; Jason Josephes of Pitchfork said: "If the lonely vocals of 'Lineage' and 'Collective Dreamwish of Upperclass Elegance' don't strike you there, you have no soul".

Steve Taylor wrote in his book The A to X of Alternative Music that "Laughing Stock" is the album's standout track. The track features guitars fed back on themselves building as the track progresses.

Track listing

All tracks written by Jason Lytle.