Emerging from Orange County, CA, West of House quickly established themselves in the indie alternative rock scene after forming in early 2020. Even as the world went into lockdown, the band channeled that isolation into a burst of creativity, writing, recording, and releasing their debut album, Crescendo of Silence, in a remarkable nine months. Released on September 4th, 2020, the album drew praise for its sonic versatility, blending “past sounds with more modern sonic visions, where rock weight is tempered by cooler indie control, where pop immediacy is balanced with more ambient, understated and even graceful musical backdrops” (Dave Franklin, Dancing About Architecture).

Beyond the band’s musicality, critics also highlighted the power of their lyrics. Entropy Magazine noted that “By far though the true center of the album, its heart and soul, comes from the fire and passion of the lyricism. Vocals carefully weigh each verse for maximum impact. Quite impressive storytellers, narratives emerge over the course of the album, with each track a chapter in a greater novel” (Beach Sloth).

The success of Crescendo of Silence and its singles, “Fallen,” “Yesterdays,” and “Moving Shadows,” earned West of House a growing fanbase, with streams exceeding 100,000 before the end of 2020. The band followed this with The Pinecone EP in early 2021, featuring B-sides and a reimagined cover of CHVRCHES’ “Heaven/Hell”.

West of House continued their momentum with their sophomore album, Drown the Wind, released on September 3rd, 2021, exactly 364 days after their debut. This album expanded upon their sound, delivering a more anthemic and lyrically direct exploration of contemporary issues, tackling themes of nationalism, prejudice, and the illusion of control. The lead single, “Entwined,” showcased the band’s progressive tendencies, weaving through complex time signatures in a celebration of inclusive love.

Now, West of House is poised to unveil their most ambitious and sonically adventurous work to date: Poems in the Dark. Set for release on June 6, 2025, this album pushes the band’s boundaries, incorporating new textures and experimental elements while retaining the emotional core that defines their music. The opening single, “Iconoclast (Psalm of the Heretic),” serves as a powerful introduction to this new chapter, capturing the raw energy of Drown the Wind while hinting at the deeper sonic explorations to come. With Poems in the Dark, West of House reaffirms their commitment to artistic evolution and their ability to connect with listeners on both intellectual and emotional levels.