In an age of algorithms, Westside Cowboy are pure-spirited proof of the magic that can only come from human connection. Just three years on from forming in Manchester, starting a band for the fun of it without so much as a plan to even play a gig, the quartet – Jimmy Bradbury (vocals, guitar), Reuben Haycocks (vocals, guitar), Aoife Anson O’Connell (vocals, bass) and Paddy Murphy (drums) – have crafted perhaps the year’s most exciting debut by simply figuring out what feels good, and following it into the horizon.
Having won the Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition in 2025, the hotly tipped four-piece band from Manchester perform their new single ‘Kick Stones (The Boys)’ from their upcoming debut album ‘It Goes On’.
“It Goes On” is the debut album from Manchester-based four piece Westside Cowboy, produced by Loren Humphrey. It may well be one of the best records of 2026. Instant golden songs for a new generation.
In an age of algorithms, Westside Cowboy are pure-spirited proof of the magic that can only come from human connection. Just three years on from forming in Manchester, starting a band for the fun of it without so much as a plan to even play a gig, the quartet have crafted perhaps the year’s most exciting debut by simply figuring
out what feels good, and following it into the horizon. There’s an urgency of feeling to “It Goes On” that could only ever really happen with a young group’s debut record
Manchester, England four-piece Westside Cowboy are releasing their debut album, “It Goes On,” on August 21 via Island Records. Now they have shared its second single, “Pin Up Boys,”
The band collectively had this to say about the song in a press release: “‘Pin Up Boys’ was written a year and a half ago using an acoustic guitar, a drum machine sample pad and some screwdrivers as drumsticks. It is by far the longest serving song on the album and the one that we have played the most live, which was a blessing and a curse when we came to record. After realising this song was set in its ways, we thought the recording should be a somewhat faithful version of the live performance. We hope you get something out of it.”
Jack Shep directed the song’s video and had this to say about it: “Westside Cowboy’s performance style is so energetic and distinct. They clearly have a mountainous future ahead of them, and it was awesome to work with young people at the precipice of starting something really special together. In the video we wanted to capture the band’s dynamism, through a spotlight. We follow this fixed, malevolent spotlight chasing our hero (played by the band’s mate, Will) as he tries to escape its gaze. As he runs, he manages to escape, splitting into a new spotlight with a new version of the band. The whole thing begins to buckle and shatter.”
Westside Cowboy previously shared the album’s lead single, “Kick Stones (The Boys),” via a music video. “Kick Stones (The Boys)” was one of our Songs of the Week.
Westside Cowboy is Reuben Haycocks (guitar, vocals), James (Jimmy) Bradbury (guitar, vocals), Aoife Anson O’Connell (bass guitar, vocals), and Paddy Murphy (drums, vocals). They’ve been gathering momentum and attention due to earlier singles, such as “Can’t See,” which made our Songs of the Week list last November. They have also supported Geese and Black Country, New Road on tour.
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