Todd Adelman and the Woodsmen‘s self-titled album delivers an authentic, organic blend of country and rock and roll. Rooted in honest, working-class storytelling, the record pairs rich, character-driven narratives with a deep respect for musical tradition. The project’s founder, Todd Adelman, is also founder of The Woods, an analog recording studio located outside Woodstock, New York.

“This Rounds On Me” kicks off the album in memorable form, melding harmonious vocal desires to “bury the hatchet” and striving to “make amends” as warming organs and twangy guitars drive into further expanses, particularly in the string-touched emotion. A “this rounds on me” comfortability pairs with amiable sentiments for an alluring, approachable commencement. Arriving next, “Kind Of Woman (Who Makes The Morning Look Good)” continues those bright sentiments, here smitten in its “I love you the best” declaration and Wilco-esque title-referencing stirrings. Accordion also adds wonderfully to these first two tracks and throughout the album.

Another enveloping track, “Ordinary People” conjures a throwback folk prowess in its trickling guitars and hard-times depictions — involving losing a home, crashing a car, and “barely getting by.” The working-class anthem showcases a fully engrossing character-driven narrative with no-frills folk and country organics. “I thought about my daughters, their momma, my wife,” heartfelt vocals let out, emphasizing what matters in life despite hardship. “Lucky So Far” captures similar traversing-through-life themes with a more rollicking rock charm, ruminating on childhood “until I slipped out one night” and reflecting a coming-of-age immersion. Abundant in narrative heart and memorably melodic productions, Todd Adelman and the Woodsmen is an excellent full-length achievement.

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We discovered this release via MusoSoup.

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