the Western States

"Well, I've got these good friends, these great drinks to get me by..."

The Western States are a four-piece punk rock band whose songs examine navigating the complexities of life and the world around them from cradle to bottle to party to grave with humor, wit, and verve.

Formed in the summer of 2018, the band currently consists of Grant Atticus (guitar/vocals), Derek Fassino (guitar), Mike Hanich (drums/vocals), and Nick Jackson (bass). Despite lineup changes and pandemic challenges, they have remained strong. It is also rumored that they may or may not have accidentally killed the singer of Smash Mouth (it’s a long story.)

Their music is a fusion of raw passion and refined talent, earning them a well-deserved reputation in Montana and beyond. Their songs range from gritty anthems to soul-stirring ballads that delve deep into the human experience. They tackle themes of love, loss, addiction, and existential chaos with razor-sharp lyrics and infectious melodies that stay with you long after the last chord fades.

The band released “Heavy Pours” in the fall of 2021. Niek from AddtoWantList.com described the band as “another new band that sounds certified fresh while maintaining that immediate familiarity of the heyday of modern punk rock” and enjoyed that the album was “about the essential parts of life, like Ben Affleck’s tenure as Batman. More importantly, expect 2- to 3-minute punk rock hits based on the blueprint provided by Mikey Erg/The Ergs, Dillinger Four, and The Dopamines. Plenty of variety, energy, harmonies, and the songwriting to keep listeners interested.”

Whether playing to a packed house or an intimate crowd, the band brings a contagious enthusiasm and high-energy stage presence that transcends boundaries, resonating with punk rock purists and casual listeners. The Western States continue to be fueled by passion, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to the power of music to unite, inspire, ignite change, and bring together your closest friends to enjoy a couple of beers.

The Western States are:
Grant Atticus - Guitar/Vocals
Derek Fasino - Guitar/Vocals
Mike Hanich - Drums/Vocals
Nick Jackson - Bass/Vocals

By Niek, from AddtoWantList.com:

Earlier this week, I wrote about Action Park’s very fun throwback to mid-to-late ’90s punkrock. Here is another new band that sounds certified fresh while maintaining that immediate familiarity of the heyday of modern punk rock. Western States are a bearded four-piece from Missoula (Montana) with the classic punk set up of two guitars, one bass, one set of drums. What else to expect from their album Heavy Pours? Song about the essential parts of life, like Ben Affleck’s tenure as Batman. More importantly, expect 2- to 3-minute punkrock hits based on the blueprint provided by Mikey Erg/The Ergs, Dillinger Four and The Dopamines. Plenty of variety, energy, harmonies and the songwriting to keep listeners interested.