It is simple to explain why you dislike something, really simple. To describe exactly why you like and love something, now that is a daunting task. I had never heard of A Catapult Western before their self-titled debut showed up in cellophane in my mailbox three weeks ago. I unwrapped the package with trepidation hoping beyond hope that I wouldn’t have to write a harsh review, but I didn’t expect this.

Jason Nyberg (Guitars, Organ, Synthesizer, and Vocals) has a haunting voice that compliments Meghan Rose’s Gillian Welch-esque angelic backing, creating a wonderfully stirring album. A Catapult Western, the album not the band, is filled with moments of quiet contemplation and deep regret that shake the core and move the listener to feel as if s/he is the one who wrote songs and had gone through the range of emotions it took to get the words to page. The band pulls you into their world through melodic instrumentation which is often reminiscent of Austin alt-country band Knife in the Water (who - if you are unfamiliar - you need to discover).

Not all is gloomy with A Catapult Western. Songs like “Moving Day” and “That Familiar Story” serve as reminders that life is worth living, with twangs commonly seen from more no-depression influenced bands such as Whiskeytown and the Jayhawks. It is tracks such as “Back Up to the Wall” and “Brian Died” that drive the album to a place of near perfection. They start out with a minimalistic approach and slowly build on the foothold they form thanks in part to Laura Detert (Viola, Bass, and Keyboards) and Jason Bourne (Guitar, Mandolin and Vocals.) This is a trick typically incorporated by post-rock and appropriately tweaked for the sound of ACW.

With it’s poignant lyrics and lonely sound, A Catapult Western fits into the season well. Lock your doors, turn off the lights, and turn up the stereo because you’re in for an evening. Oh, and don’t forget the whiskey, it’s the only way you’re going to shake the cold. I can’t say enough about this band that actually hearing them wouldn’t resolve so...

Catch A Catapult Western, January 11, 2008 at Cafe Montmartre with Whitney Mann and The Boys, 10 p.m., $5 Madison, WI CD RELEASE SHOW.

Website: http://www.acatapultwestern.com/
On MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/acatapultwestern