Put The Rustlanders on stage at Winterland, hand Scorsese a camera, have these boys play “Holdin’ Out” and God as my witness, you might just be watching The Last Waltz. When I first listened to The Rustlanders self-titled debut, I felt like I was listening to Richard Manuel and Levon Helm harmonize. After playing “Holdin’ Out” three times in a row, I finally come to grips with the fact that I was not having a flashback and was able to move forward with the rest of the album.

The Rustlanders are good ol’ Americana at its best. Influences abound throughout the disc, but the foursome from State College, PA take those influences to work and create their own sound. “Blind Faith” is an absolutely brilliant track with great lyrics that are powerfully delivered with a rich Hammond organ and a ripping guitar solo.

It doesn’t look like they’ll be outside the Pittsburgh area for awhile. If you happen to be in that neck of the woods and enjoy Americana, I would make my way out to a show. For those of you that don’t live in PA, buy the album and patiently wait for The Rustlanders to roll into town.

Website | The Rustlanders

The Rustlanders - La Conchita