Six on the Out, the second album from Chicago based band The Westies, takes the songwriting of 2015's West Side Stories and continues the momentum of Michael McDermott's ability to connect poignant lyrics with the perfect musical score.  Many of the same themes are revisited in a new light, offering the listener a familiar insight into the parts of life that many people would rather ignore yet are not only key to the human experience but also relatable no matter what path one has taken.

McDermott beautifully contrasts moments of tragedy and desperation with those of beauty and salvation.  He refuses to ignore the positive that can come out of a negative and doesn't ignore the struggle it takes to bring those positives to light. The battle of walking the fine line between rising above old habits while surrounded by the things that triggered those habits is evident in “If I Had A Gun” and “Parolee'. As a songwriter, he weaves tales with threads plucked straight from the fabric of American experience.  McDermott's words reverberate within the soul, no matter your mood he'll carry you away with his ethereal voice and message.

The score of the album compliments the writing of every song. The vocals are well delivered and compliment McDermotts writing style.  The use of repetition in many of the songs, such as 'Pauper's Sky”, provide an added rhythmic element without sounding like a gimmick. No one note seems out of place, whether it's just backing a vocal or carrying the song on between verses. The use of the fiddle on “Henry McCarty” is a perfect addition that lends a subtle Irish flavor to a song that is a perfect example of an Irish-American folk tale.

This album is a must listen.  Rarely in this era do you hear such well-crafted story-telling paired with well-balanced music.  This album is so well crafted that each song feels like a different milestone in the same epic journey.  Every song will pull at your heart-strings and draw you into seeing through the storytellers eyes. It's something you listen to once, then twice, then realize you're still listening to a week or a month later.  Just like West Side Stories it provides an insight into characters you just can't help but root for in hopes of hearing the next chapter.