New album from Mustangs of the West

Los Angeles-based all-female outfit Mustangs of the West has a musical journey that spans decades. Formerly known as The Mustangs in the late 80s, this talented group is making a resurgence in the country music scene, capturing the hearts of fans old and new.

While the journey began in Santa Monica in the late 80s and led them across the United States and Europe through the mid-90s, the band experienced a renewal in 2017. Original members Sherry, Suzanna and Holly decided to reignite their musical flame, adding two versatile new members to complete the lineup with drummer Suzanne Morissette and fiddler Aubrey Richmond.

Now featuring the five talented women, Mustangs of the West radiate energy and musical camaraderie. Their blend of country music draws influences from iconic artists like Emmylou Harris and Stevie Nicks, with harmonies that channel the style of The Eagles and early Beach Boys. Notably, they were awarded the Southern California Country Music Vocal Group of the Year in recognition of their stunning sound.

Since their triumphant return, Mustangs of the West have consistently delivered well-received singles and full-length records. Their recent album, Sea of Heartbreak, is a highly anticipated work that hosts 12 tracks, mixing the band’s original songwriting prowess with heartfelt covers, released via KZZ Music and Blue Élan Records.

Following a dazzling piano and string instrumental piece called “Heartbreak Overture,” the album fully opens with the title track “Sea of Heartbreak,” starting off with Suzanna Spring’s alluring voice threading emotive melodies and poignant storytelling lyricism. Joined by the soft strums of an acoustic guitar and a rising arrangement of lush backing vocals, the gentle patter of percussion and bright piano touches, the song crafts a truly heartwarming sound. With delicate country flutters of strings and guitar, it’s a mesmeric song that transports you to another place and right to the soul of the band’s sonic vision.

“Fiery Angel” opens with a blissful blend of hovering piano chords and smooth string touches as the vocals enter to weave through a beautiful sonic fabric. It’s a dazzling folk ballad full of elegant vocals and graceful melodies. “We All Lose Sometimes” captures superb country pop sound with bouncy drum rhythms, slick instrumental flourishes and compelling vocal leads laying down instantly catchy leads.

Other highlights on the record include songs like “Crooked Road,” with its whimsical vibe of warm acoustic guitar and strings as Suzanna’s vocals carrying picture painting lyrics via bright melodies. As the drums enter, the song pops with an infectious country charm. The album closes with “Heartbreak Reprise,” as soft piano notes tumble and smooth string lines dance together, bookending the album with another delightful instrumental composition.

Co-produced by KZZ Founder Kirk Pasich and Colin Devlin, Sea of Heartbreak draws inspiration from country-folk legends like Lucinda Williams and the Southern California sound of Poco. It serves up an enthralling sonic voyage, exploring themes of loss and the enduring power of love in the face of adversity, delivered via the incredible sound of Mustangs of the West.

Listen to Sea of Heartbreak below