It hasn’t been long since Chicago favourites Smith Westerns decided to call it a day, initially declaring a hiatus before officially breaking up for good. Three albums to their name, they set a marker for acid-washed pop without simmering out.

Now, Max Kakacek and Julian Ehrlich - both formerly of Smith Westerns - have started a new project. Whitney sees them teaming up with Touching Voids’ Ziyad Asrar - who occasionally played keyboards for Smith Westerns, too. Other info on the band is scarce, but their debut track ‘No Matter Where We Go’ is out via new label Lead Riders, and it’s a gorgeous, soulful introduction. Sweet, heartfelt songwriting is captured in an under-ether aesthetic, giving classic hooks new territory to explore.

DIY is streaming ‘No Matter Where We Go’ below.