America is a funny place. It seems like everyone has a strong opinion on its unique culture, its values and, of course, its art. Even though she was born and raised in Australia, Juanita Stein is heavily influenced by American film and music from being constantly exposed as a young child via an old television.

Now, here she is with her first-ever solo album: America. If the name didn’t give it away, this album’s cardinal motif is the role America played in her influences and upbringing. Even though the whole album holds this central theme, each song has a different tenor and is a piece to the puzzle of America’s role in Stein’s coming-of-age story.

For example, the song “Florence” is about photography taken during The Great Depression by Florence Owens, which depicts hardship that women went through. In another song, “Dark Horse,” the Western influence is seen through more of the musicality and composition, containing that dusty and gritty sound you’d expect from a Clint Eastwood movie.

Her interpretation of American culture is more spot-on than most albums from the U.S. Similar to the Italian film, “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,” or the Chilean “El Topo,” the most widely critically acclaimed Western-themed art actually comes from the south, north and east.

The songwriting of this album is similar to her band Howling Bells. Being the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, it makes sense that America has a similar songwriting approach, using indie rock flare with pop sensibilities and arrangements. The Americana influence from this record really stems from the instrumentation and lyricism.

For old fans of Howling Bells, this is a refreshing take on their coined sound. The dynamics are similar, but are now exploring a whole new realm of different (American) influences. Instead of varying degrees of dream pop and indie rock, there’s a whole new side of Stein to sit down and get lost in listening.

Follow writer Michael Massaro at Twitter.com/michaelcmassaro.