Following up on the success of their 2022 release Stand True, Los Angeles outfit The Americans return with their new EP, Strays, their most spirited release to date.
Through employing their distinct and intuitive approach to songwriting, The Americans channel their emotions through each and every note, with their powerful chord progressions emanating a wealth of passion and sentiment. A heartfelt project whose emotive composition explores both the highs and lows of life, Strays strikes a fine balance between reveling in nostalgia, and longing for better days ahead.
With their influences present right from the vibrant Americana-rock ballad, “When You Get Back,” The Americans introduce a vivid and illustrative display of songwriting which gives Strays its absorbing edge.
Amidst the buoyant grooves and soothing vocal tones, tracks such as “Land of the Free” also stand out on the release. Frontman Patrick Ferris becomes one with the inspired percussion and invigorating bass, finding comfort and hope through the lyrics on each and every song.
The band’s distinctive, powerful works have captured the attention of a number of stars. They’ve backed Nick Cave, Lucinda Williams, Ashley Monroe, and Devendra Banhart, and joined Ryan Bingham on four national tours. They worked closely with Jack White and T Bone Burnett, joining Nas, Elton John, and Alabama Shakes in the PBS/BBC primetime series American Epic. They have appeared on The Late Show (CBS), and their music was featured in the films Texas Killing Fields, A Country Called Home, Little Glory, and the TV series No Tomorrow.
The Americans are Patrick Ferris (vocals/guitar), Zac Sokolow (guitar), and Jake Faulkner (bass).
The enthusiasm on Strays precipitates tracks such as the cinematic ‘“Kingdom,” where the rich instrumentation and rousing percussion come alive. With its crushing vocals and explosive guitar work, the track’s empowering qualities will have listeners on the edge of their seats.
An unceasing conflict between sorrow and optimism, Strays is a hauntingly beautiful album. Passionate, direct, and frequently stripped down, the EP embraces the individual qualities of the band, which combined with Ferris’ raw vocal performances culminates in a breathtakingly sentimental body of work.
Strays is out now via all digital platforms.
