LongRoad are an American rock band consisting of three childhood friends from Rutherford, New Jersey, and singer Ted Ames from Coventry, Vermont. They’ve just hit my radar thanks to the release of their second studio album. It’s called Faith in Greater Things?

By Graeme Smith

The album opens with New Song. It’s a rousing start with a cantering tempo and alternative grunge rock sentiments. When the vocals come in, they are passionate and expressive, giving us that mix of optimism and melancholia that only rock can. The track culminates into a jangly, anthemic chorus that provides us with the perfect hook. I was keen to hear more.

Breathe slows things down a little without losing any of the hard-hitting energy of the opener. Its pleading chorus will have you feeling along. Inspired lightens things with some folksy acoustic guitar and feels reminiscent at times of some early Genesis. It’s a highlight.

Shadows in the Starlight livens things back up with the funky classic rock. Fade Away is a soft and reflective moment. Have to Hold has a smouldering, lingering arrangement with hints of psychedelia. A drum riff signals a change up to something bright and bittersweet. It’s another highlight.

Commotion brings with it a rumbling intro before hitting some swaggering ’90s rock. Crash is suitably cacophonic while Free is slow-burning and has an undercurrent of country. Live With Me ups the tempo to a breakneck speed before Why? provides some contrast with a slow, questioning meditation. Helping Hand closes the album with a textured psych rock banger. It’s a track that is full of passion, with singer Ted leaving it all out there, and a final highlight.

Faith in Greater Things? was recorded at The Barber Shop Studio in Hopatcong, New Jersey, and was mixed and mastered at Laundry Room Studio, in Seattle, Washington by award-winning producer Barrett Jones. You can give the album a listen below.