Rock is resurging in Coeur d’Alene and Spokane. In particular, a blend of somewhat psychedelic, blues-influenced, modernized 1960s and ‘70s classic rock with a twist of punk and alt is carving out its niche in our scene. Metal and hardcore, plus certain varieties of hard rock, have steady, devoted followings in the area, but this straight-ahead rock sound has been more fickle. Over the past two years, Wayward West has been Coeur d’Alene’s vanguard of this style.  Additionally, they’re calling attention to original songwriting in a city where cover bands seem to book most of the gigs.

Tyson Juarez (vocals and guitar) and Dan Couillard (drums), who met working at Pilgrim’s Market in the Lake City, started jamming in 2015. Early the next year, they matched up with bassist Tanner Aunan, who responded to Dan’s Facebook plea for some low end. Aunan, having played with the bluesy Jesi B. & the All Rites for about seven years, promptly blew up his old bass amp trying to match volume with Couillard. He wasn’t used to rocking so hard, but damn, it felt good.

The name Wayward West refers to their Northwest-specific brand of rock: loud and gutsy with a heavy neo-classic rock influence. Drum patterns derive from rollicking blues shuffles and funk grooves along with a touch of modern, fast kick-drum work and syncopation. Lyrics tell tales of heartbreak and sticking it to the man. Tons of fuzz-drenched riffs dominate the tunes. Of course, beards are obligatory.

Juarez draws guitar inspiration from Cream and Black Sabbath, and vocally from Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and Marc Bolan of T-Rex. Aunan digs progressive, eclectic sounds from Rush to Primus, as well as Queens of The Stone Age and Rage Against the Machine. Couillard enjoys sentimental pop-punk, post-hardcore, and emotionally-driven music from Brand New, Thrice and Tiny Moving Parts. Overall, one could call Wayward West stoner fuzz with punkier drums and faster tempos.

Wayward West released their Generation Blues EP in 2016 and their Astrobuzz album last August. Astrobuzz’s opening title track takes surf rock into the 21st century. Administration is their most political and aggressive track, pointing to what seemed like a lose/lose election scenario. “Lowlife Blues” was their newest song upon recording, points toward where the band is currently heading. Keep an eye out for a music video of that grooving tune. The Astrobuzz album was self-produced and engineered locally by Lee Stoker.

So far, Wayward West’s notable shows include performing with The Pack A.D. and for Volume 2016. Having just played The Bartlett with Indian Goat and The Grizzled Mighty, you can now see them with Mos Generator and Sower at The Hogfish Bar & Grill in Coeur d’Alene on Friday, April 20. Expect them to book a mini-tour around the Northwest while writing songs for their next album. Find Wayward West on Facebook, Instagram, Bandcamp and YouTube.