California indie-folk rockers Westerly return with “They Will Test You”, a fiery, defiant anthem that captures the urgency of standing up in the face of adversity. Written by singer-guitarist Sterling Spence, the track channels the band’s trademark blend of roots-inspired storytelling and contemporary rock energy, this time with teeth.
Formed in the San Francisco Bay Area and now spread across the state, Westerly has built a loyal following for their emotionally charged songwriting and high-energy performances, often moving effortlessly between intimate ballads and raucous, dance-inducing rockers. “They Will Test You” falls squarely in the latter camp: driving drums, searing guitar leads, and a rallying chorus that demands to be shouted in unison.
“They Will Test You embodies the anger and hope central to the struggle for a better world,” says Spence. “It’s about holding on to your values when everything around you is trying to shake them.”
Known for weaving themes of spirituality, love, and the state of the world into their music, Westerly has long balanced heartfelt intimacy with social consciousness. Their sound, while rooted in folk tradition, nods to the punk, indie rock, and R&B that have shaped the West Coast’s legacy of free love, protest, and creative rebellion.
With three EPs, three full-length albums, and countless live performances under their belt, from clubs and coffee shops to circus tents and senior homes, Westerly remains a band that thrives on connection, whether electrifying a festival crowd or playing a stripped-down set in a quiet room.
