“The Westside” by Maudlin Strangers

 

     Maudlin Strangers don’t shy away from real-world issues. Just within the last three years, the Los Angeles band addressed the need for self-care and recovery after experiencing severe burnout (“Don't Worry, I'm Fine”), intelligently delved into the difficulties of a troubled relationship (“Silver Stain”), and explored the psychological loop of recognizing an additive habit is self-destructive, only to seek temporary relief by returning to the habit (“I'm Not In The Right Mind”). Their songs often surface from deeply personal experiences.
 
   Now, Maudlin Strangers take aim at the pretentiousness of many residents of a specific metropolitan area that is known for its high-end shopping, gourmet restaurants, and opulent mansions. As an explanation of their song The Westside,” the band said:  
  “This song is a commentary on the plastic life of the westside of Hollywood, like Beverly Hills. Everyone is trying to look their best, wear the most expensive clothes, and give off the appearance of success and happiness, but is everything truly as it seems?”
 
     The lyrics are insightful, with perhaps the most poignant being a reflection on the feeling of isolation even in a densely populated city – “Off of your phone, now you’re alone.” The lyrics are included in this post.
 
     Sonically, the strength of “The Westside” is carried by the textured vocals during the chorus. The chorus vocals are charming despite the message. Additionally, the last line of the chorus is commanding, even though it’s delivered as a whisper.
 
     Maudlin Strangers originally were the solo Indie Rock project of Jake Hays. The project was born in 2010, but took a long hiatus before re-emerging as a band. The “About” page of their website states that, in 2023, drummer Richie Gonzales reunited with the band and new players completed the ensemble, namely multi-instrumentalist Alexander Morgan on guitar and keys and Drew Bruchs on bass. Then, in 2025, the lineup welcomed new members Blane Barker on bass and John Ashton on guitar.
 

     “The Westside” by Maudlin Strangers

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Lyrics of “The Westside” by Maudlin Strangers
Look who you are, look in the mirror
Do you really see yourself?
Hiding inside a luxury ride
Do you even drive yourself?
Off of your phone, now you’re alone
Are you enjoying yourself?
Look who you are, look who you ain’t
Can you believe yourself?
(Didn’t think so)
 
Living on the westside
Bet you wanna look nice
Gonna get your hair dyed
I can see it in your cold dead eyes
Living on the westside
Buy yourself a pretty life
 
Looking alive, beautifitized
Little lies about yourself
Hear what they say, get carried away
Trying to update yourself
Follow the page, click on the likes
Why don’t I go fuck myself?
Look who you are, look who you ain’t
Can you believe yourself?
(Didn’t think so)
 
Living on the westside
Bet you wanna look nice
Gonna get your hair dyed
I can see it in your cold dead eyes
Living on the westside
Buy yourself a pretty life
 
Living on the west side
Where everybody looks fine
But is really your life?
Even though you look fine
Something doesn’t feel right…
 
Living on the westside
Bet you wanna look nice
Gonna get your hair dyed
I can see it in your cold dead eyes
Living on the westside
Buy yourself a pretty life