The Roamers
Self-Released, 2024
9/10
The Los Angeles collective The Roamers, led by Matt Rice, come together for these 10 collaborative songs that touch on timeless Americana ideas that we could never tire of.
The energetic and warm “Playboy” gets the listen off to a radiant start, where Luke Adams’ thumping drums suit Rice’s expressive pipes amid some buzzing, and “I Can Be Lonely” follows with a calmer spirit, as Matt Pynn’s fluid pedal steel complements the rootsy flavor.
The middle tracks are among the best, where the rowdy yet precise “Room To Roam” welcomes well timed backing vocals and Brian Whelan’s animated keys, while “Do What You Wanna Do” comes with timeless Americana nods that balances calm and driving songwriting.
Residing near the end, “They Come Around” lands closer to country territory, where Rice’s bright storytelling won’t go unappreciated, and “Where The Road Is Always Open” shifts gears into a distinct twang filled, folk rocker.
A very diverse outing that is as likely to get you on the dance floor just as it could get you to mull things over, blues and punk spirit isn’t off the table, either, for this infectious body of work.
Travels well with: The Lost Weekend Band- One Hell Of A Time; David Luning- Lessons