I’ll Be Yours
Loose, 2017
8/10
A Los Angeles trio consisting of Patrick Ferriss, Jake Faulkner and Zac Sokolow, The Americans released this debut album in 2017, where their firm rock’n’roll template is also in the company of folk, jazz and Americana ideas.
“Nevada” starts the listen with a retro quality as soaring vocals are met with crisp guitars and playful percussion in a both reserved and swift display of folk-rock, and “The Right Stuff” follows with spirited guitar work in a bouncy, scrappy delivery of rock’n’roll fun.
Near the middle, “Last Chance” brings a calmer approach of timeless, bluesy song craft, while “Hooky” finds itself in more rugged territory that’s full of gritty punk rock nods. “Harbor Lane” then makes great use of tambourine as classic rock ideas enter that nostalgic and so very tuneful landscape.
The last two songs are among the best and include slow burning beauty of “Bronze Star”, and “Daphne” exits the listen with strings complementing the reflective climate of the primarily acoustic finish the showcases incredible chemistry between the members.
The Americans have come a long way from their busking roots, as they bring some of the best characteristic of Fogerty, Springsteen, The Black Keys and The Rolling Stones into this fantastic first album. They made Jack White a fan pretty early on, and, I have to imagine, anyone else willing to give them a listen, too.
Travels well with: The White Stripes- Greatest Hits; John Fogerty- Fogerty’s Factory