Westerman: A Jackal’s Wedding

I recently interviewed James Krivchenia from Big Thief about his production work on the last Westerman album, An Inbuilt Fault. Look for that interview in a future issue of Tape Op. I really liked An Inbuilt Fault, and it reminded me a bit of later Talk Talk albums like Spirit of Eden and Laughing Stock. On his newest LP, A Jackal’s Wedding, it feels like Will Westerman has continued to refine his approach and develop his own unique musical approach. Jackal’s Wedding is both a bit more pop and experimental at the same time. Marta Salogni, (Tape Op #153) who mixed An Inbuilt Fault as well as adding some additional overdubs and production to that album, produced, engineered, and mixed A Jackal’s Wedding, and the record sounds great. It has interesting arrangements, is sonically diverse, and hi-fi. Marta did excellent work here! Stella Mozgawa (#169) lays down some solid drums and percussion grooves on the album along with James on the track “Mosquito.” Holding it all down, and adding the through line of the album is Will’s beautiful voice. This one is in my frequent listen list.