Some artists knock once, and others leave the door ajar with every release, letting their sound stay like the scent of wild thyme in the air. Westwell is the latter — and it’s with a warm heart that we welcome them back for their third appearance on our blog.
From a tucked-away studio nestled in the Oxfordshire countryside, Westwell is more than a band — they’re a family of feeling. At its core, the trio is built on a rare alchemy: the heartfelt songwriting of father-son duo James and Gus Corsellis, fused with the nuanced craftsmanship of producer and multi-instrumentalist Jamie Biles. Together, they create music that feels like it knows you — a blend of indie and folk-rock threaded with cinematic quietude and poetic clarity.
Their latest offering, “If I’m Not With You,” is a whisper turned into wind. It doesn’t shout for your attention; it earns it slowly, like dawn spilling over an empty field. The song opens with guitar work that feels like breath. It’s not just playing chords; it’s holding space. There’s a kind of airborne grace to the way the instrumentation unfolds — delicate ambient textures drift like vapor, shaping an intimate and expansive soundscape.
Vocally, this track is a study in restraint. James and Gus don’t perform so much as reveal. Their voices carry a tenderness that never overreaches, allowing the lyrics to settle gently into the listener’s heart. It’s this undercurrent of emotional honesty — fragile yet self-assured — that brings to mind the reflective murmurs of Bon Iver or even the weighted stillness of Leonard Cohen. Every line feels lived-in, as though written from the quiet edges of dusk.
Lyrically, “If I’m Not With You” speaks to longing; not the loud, desperate kind, but a more human ache: the slow realization that someone’s presence has become woven into your inner weather. There’s a melancholy here, but it’s not bitter. It’s beautiful. It’s the kind that walks beside you, silently.
Jamie Biles’ production work deserves its round of applause. The way he layers the track is masterful — subtle enough not to distract, but intentional in every detail. The ambient flourishes hum beneath the surface like distant memories, while the guitars ring out like questions you’re still trying to answer. Everything is in service to the feeling — and that’s what makes this song resonate long after it ends.
Since their quiet emergence in late 2023, Westwell has been steadily crafting a path that doesn’t chase trends but follows truth. Drawing inspiration from The National, Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver, and Jason Isbell — while channeling the poetic depth of Auden, Carver, and Mary Oliver — their sound has grown roots that go deep. BBC Introducing has already taken notice, and so have we.
With “If I’m Not With You,” Weswell offers presence. They remind us that there’s strength in vulnerability, and beauty in stillness. Their songs don’t just play; they listen back. If this is your first time meeting them, consider this your invitation to lean in. And if, like us, you’ve been following since the beginning — welcome back. Westwell is still quietly carving something profound. And we’re honored to witness it.
Listen to “If I’m Not With You” on Spotify
Follow Westwell here for more information
