Acclaimed LA band the Americans have recently released their new EP “Strays,” which proves to be an outstanding collection of songs, blending both memoir and fiction, which have the ability to inspire you to reflect back on your own life and transport you to places which may well be long gone or at best a very distant memory.

The Americans are truly carving out a path for themselves as a renowned mainstay in the roots and Americana scene. The release follows the critically acclaimed album “Stand True,” from 2022, and it’s a very deliberate move towards a more refined sound than previous releases. 

Indeed, this album is very much a man, his guitar, and his reminiscences, although frontman Patrick Ferris is joined by Zac Sokolow (guitar), and Jake Faulkner (bass), in an engaging and understated way bandmates which gives the release a whole new level and depth to his passionate lyricism. 

“We write our songs inside-out,” says Patrick. “We grab hold of something minuscule and primitive—a simple turn of phrase or an unusual beat—and try to build a song around it. It’s inefficient, but when it works, it works.”

Songs such as “Kingdom” are wrapped up in a sense of longing and yearning, with the guitars echoing in the background really tugging at the heart strings. 

“When You Get Back” the lead single from the release is another beautifully contemplative song which helps to set the intimate tone for the EP.

The Americans theme of nostalgic reflection is brought to the forefront within each on the release.

Their live show, honed over many hundreds of performances, is something to behold. Chris Griffy (AXS) calls them “straight up blue-collar rock and roll in the style of Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp.” Steve Wildsmith (Daily Times) admires their “antThe 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.

“Strays” is an outstanding collection of inspiring and emotive songs which demands repeated listens to dig deeper into each of the scenes and memories it depicts. The group has captured such a specific instance, which makes the release all the more captivating.

“Strays” is an album which will most definitely stand the test of time and may well prove to be a defining moment in the life of The Americans and their musical career.