Reviews of AmericaNA, by West End (STR721)

The following review appeared in GoodTimes magazine, issue 4 of 2024.

The album title says it all: AmericaNA features a unique, handmade blend of roots rock, west-coast and country (rock). This is the second work by the two masterminds Kirk Beasley (voc, g, b) and Bobby Ogdin (keys) four years after their self-titled debut. 40 years ago, the two industry veterans dared to make a first, less successful attempt, only to try again in 2020 with new collaborators, having matured and gained some experience. And it was worth it: West End may not offer anything stunningly innovative, but they do offer solid songs that captivate with their melodies, plenty of guitar playing (Tom Shinny) and plenty of humor as well as the occasional honky-tonk atmosphere. Unobtrusive, but somehow irresistible.

The following review by Rainer Guérich appeared in the Summer 2024 issue of InMusic.

The quintet from Nashville, led by singer and guitarist Kirk Beasley, presents a tribute to the American music tradition on its second album. "AmericaNA" is released exclusively on vinyl and takes the listener on a long journey through the diversity of this genre in the nine tracks. The title of the album already hints at what the listener can expect: a fusion of different stylistic elements that are typical of the American musical landscape. West End succeeds in creating a relaxed atmosphere, which is also interspersed with energetic moments. Particularly noteworthy is the almost seven-minute title track, which impresses with its complexity and dynamics. The top-class guests round off the positive sound experience. The voice of Nashville legend Buzz Cason (deceased 16.06.2024) can be heard on tracks such as "Put the Love Down" and "Keep Your Distance..." and lends the songs additional authenticity and depth. For lovers of Americana and alt-country, "AmericaNA" by West End is definitely worth a recommendation. With "AmericaNA", the band has created an album that sounds both nostalgic and contemporary.

The following review by Markus Kerren appeared in RockTimes on 16 May 2024.

It's actually been another four years since we were able to introduce you to the band and project West End with their debut album of the same name. With "America NA", the brand new album is now available, which naturally arouses a great deal of curiosity after the high quality of the debut. Fortunately, it is clear from the first listen that the style of the first album, which I described at the time as a "...cool mix of Americana, roots rock and a bit of West Coast", has been retained. The track list below is, of course, that of the vinyl edition, even though I was provided with a digital version for this review.

To get straight to the point, the opening title track with its good melodies and hearty sound really puts you in a good mood. Whether the "... NA" in the name of "America NA" refers to Narcotics Anonymous (the drug-related counterpart to Alcoholics Anonymous) is at least open to speculation. Even if the lyrics deny everything or claim the opposite. But perhaps the term Americana is simply being thrown around and the different spelling is an attempt to be a little more enigmatic? Be that as it may, the songs are once again great throughout, very well arranged, recorded and sung.

Even if this record, like the debut, will of course not win any innovation awards or top chart positions, we are simply dealing with music that is played to the point and handmade, which is simply fun. The guitars are also the dominant rhythm instrument on this album, perfectly supported by bass, drums and keys. Speaking of guitars, they also come along in slide style and when there is a break, there is a fiddle player at the start, Billy Contreras, who provides additional warmth in the sound without imposing himself too much or pushing himself to the fore. Great!

Of the many strong tracks, this reviewer particularly likes "Keep Your Distance, I Don't Like You That Much". It's a clear rejection of all hypocrites who primarily make a fuss about 'nice weather' just to assert their interests. Every single number has its strengths without necessarily having hit potential. "Survival Skills" tells of a meeting between Merle (Haggard) and Emmylou (Harris), as well as a certain Mr. Jim Beam. Wonderful and with good humor. Like the first album, "America NA" is a fine piece!

The following review appeared in Eclipsed magazine in June 2024.

The American group West End tried 40 years ago to conquer a place in the music business, but it didn't work out – like so many others. Now the old warriors have enough time – and still have fire in their asses – to finally bag a longplayer. The album, recorded in Nashville in true Nashville style, moves between country rock with a touch of Charlie Daniels (“AmericaNA”), takes a melodic approach with “Put the Love Down” and shows muscle with “Best Bad Time”. The closing track “You Were Not Made to Last” is a little gloomy, but adds another dimension to the album in context. No old men - music from older men!

The following review by Michael Haifl appeared in Saiten Kult magazine on 4 April 2024.

Once upon a time there were a couple of tough guys in the Wild West who played music day in, day out. Kirk Beasley was one of them and at the end of a long day he wanted to find his fortune in Nashville. He even found some good friends there and recorded a few nice songs with them. Together with Bobby Ogdin, Jon Goin and David Humphreys, Kirk Beasley founded the group WEST END at the end of another long day.

Since life is hard and the life of a musician is even harder, he founded the label "Spare Time Records" with other dear partners on the side. 40 years and many days later, Kirk Beasley and Bobby Ogdin remembered WEST END and looked for new friends like Bruce Dees and Tom Shinny. They had their fun back, they had their rock and roll back at the end of the day.

With some influences from West Coast and country rock, they produced their self-titled debut album and even followed it up with a Christmas album at the end of the year. Now WEST END were together in the studio for the third time. Kirk Beasley (bass, guitar, vocals), Bobby Ogdin (keyboards), Jason Duffy (drums), Bruce Dees (guitars) and Tom Shinny (guitars) recorded 'AmericaNA'.

They enjoy their folk music in the spirit of THE BYRDS, THE BAND and GRATEFUL DEAD. With 'Listen To The Rain Falling', they begin with folk and country rock, but increase the power of the title track 'America NA' with fiddle by Billy Contreras from the SPARE TIME PICKERS. ThunderBünny also deserves credit for his slide guitar work. 'Best Bad Time', on the other hand, impresses with more use of keys, but also extensive guitar soloing, and 'Down Up South' heightens the honky-tonk atmosphere.

They give a spot in the limelight to singer-songwriter Steve Zachar, who performs his 'Survival Skills' with them. Even the legendary American rhythm and blues singer Buzz Cason does the honors on 'Put The Love Down' and 'Keep Your Distance I Don't Like You That Much'. WEST END spread some melancholy in the last few minutes at the end of the day with 'You Were Not Made To Last'. So the old boys are still pretty wild.