Recorded live around two microphones in a Bristol studio, A.D. Scruffs is the self-titled debut from an Americana band made up of three school friends turned songwriters.

By Graeme Smith

What is it about UK bands mastering the Americana sound so well? I suppose if you trace the roots of the genre back, you’d end up on these shores, and the shores of Ireland, and across the European continent and our folk tradition.

A.D. Scruffs are the latest act to take on the genre and their self-titled debut is a great example of the raw storytelling it can offer. A.D. Scruffs is effectively a live album with no overdubs or special effects. The result is something that feels incredibly immediate. Listen with headphones and it’s like the band’s in the room with you.

Getting going in lively fashion with Black Rabbit, the album gives us plenty of dimensions, be it the stomping rhythm of Wild Cherry Blossoms and I’ve Seen Heaven, the wistfulness of Soon To Be, the sorrowful storytelling of The Ballad Of Wohn Jayne and Please Don’t Come Home, or the lingering philosophy of album closer So Long, Farewell.

All the while, things stay deliciously toe-tapping and folksy.

This is an impressive debut from an act who clearly have a lot love for what they’re doing. This could be the start of something beautiful.

A.D Scruffs is out now and you can give it a listen below.