Hey Cowboy!’s Latest Harvest: Off The Cobb

By Adrian Escareno 

Local Music Journalist 

After listening to Off the Cobb, the new album by Austin band Hey Cowboy! I found myself mixed blend of melancholy and joy. Picture this: you’re cruising around Austin, navigating through the sea of food trucks and venues, with Off the Cobb playing in the background. This album feels like the ideal road trip companion and has quickly become my top pick of the summer. 

Each track on the album brings something unique to the table. It’s a well-curated blend of nostalgia with funky energy. Whether you’re driving down a scenic backroad or stuck in traffic behind a truck with a “Don’t Mess with Texas” bumper sticker, Hey Cowboy! provided the perfect soundtrack. Their ability to evoke such deep emotions through their music is impressive, making this album a standout addition to their discography. 

From lyrics that tug at your heartstrings to melodies that linger in your mind, there’s a lot to appreciate in this album.  

 Hey Cowboy! is a killer trio of talented women from Austin, armed with drums, bass, and keyboards. The band are regulars at Austin’s festivals like SXSW and Hot Summer Nights and they recently got off their east coast tour supporting their new album!  

This new album, released on May 24th, 2024; takes a delightful detour from their previous releases, diving into the dreamy world of shoegaze while keeping up beats that make you want to dance. It’s like they mixed a late-night philosophical chat with a spontaneous dance-off, and honestly, it’s a battle you don’t want to miss. 

My favorite track off the album must be “Bye!” Which is hands down the best track, in my humble opinion. It’s like a warm welcoming hug every time I hit play. It’s like the girls knew exactly what I needed for those bittersweet moments when you’re leaving a place you love. 

The vocals are haunting, and the keyboardist brings in vibrant energy that colors the entire song. It’s like they painted a portrait just for our ears. The track wraps up with the line, “It was over before we said goodbye,” which is pure genius. That line never fails to linger in my head as I drive farther from the Austin Skyline. 

The girls have truly managed to get inside my brain with this one. It’s like they’ve become my inner voice, narrating those nostalgic drives and making me reflect on past relationships. But instead of leaving me feeling down, they give it a warm, comforting twist. It’s a rare gift to be able to evoke such deep emotions while keeping things light and enjoyable, and Hey Cowboy! nails it with “Bye!” 

The drummer really steals the spotlight on this album! The drum fills are incredibly intricate, it’s as if she’s got an extra set of hands hidden away. If you need a prime example of the drummer’s talent, look no further than “In Yer Dreams.” This track is a perfect showcase of the intellectual drum work, effortlessly keeping pace with the band’s funky tones while adding her own unique flair. Like she’s engaged in a lively, brilliant conversation with her drum kit, and the result is nothing short of pure musical magic. The complexity and creativity the drums bring to each track elevates the entire album, making it a must-listen for anyone who appreciates top-notch drumming. 

The drums also shine on the track “A Little (A Lot).” Here, the drumming takes on a more laid-back approach, bringing a chiller beat to the table. It’s like the drummer decided to kick back and groove a bit, creating a relaxed yet captivating rhythm that complements the mood of the song.  This album is truly a drummer’s playground, offering a delightful mix of high-energy fills and laid-back grooves that will keep listeners hooked from start to finish. 

Overall, Hey Cowboy! has delivered an absolutely stellar album. It’s like the band took a bottle of sunshine, mixed it with a splash of Barton Springs water, and poured it into every track. This isn’t just an album; it’s an experience, a soundtrack for those lazy summer days when all you need is good music and a good time. This album will be on repeat as one of my soundtracks of the season.