The Shootouts Define Their Vision of Rustbelt Americana with SWITCHBACK – Out May 30th
Akron, Ohio’s Rustbelt Americana torchbearers, The Shootouts, have announced the May 30th release of their new album Switchback, on Transoceanic Records. The forthcoming collection finds the band refining their sound by bringing in elements of roots rock and bluegrass while maintaining their traditional country sensibilities. Listen to their infectious first single “Trampoline”, featuring ethereal guest vocals from Lindsay Lou.
Recorded in Nashville, TN, The Shootouts brought in Dan Knobler (Allison Russell, Lake Street Dive, Bahamas), to produce, mix, and co-engineer Switchback. The collaboration was exactly what the three band members (Ryan Humbert / lead vocals & rhythm guitar; Emily Bates / backing vocals & acoustic guitar; and Brian Poston / lead guitar) had hoped for: someone who shared their vision and brought fresh ideas to the group. The result is the natural progression of a seasoned band whose sound continues to evolve without losing its identity.
Switchback opens with “Trampoline,” followed by the high-energy rocker “The Other Side of My Life.” Lou, Sam Bush, and Mickey Raphael lend their talents to an original take on the 80s pop classic “Only You” by UK duo Yazoo (aka Yaz in North America).
Two country legends accompany Humbert on vocals, starting with Rodney Crowell on the country folk-infused “Half a World Away,” and Vince Gill on an electrifying rendition of “I’ll Be Damned,” a song he penned and recorded as a member of Pure Prairie League in 1980. “Only Good at Goodbye” features a guest vocal by singer/songwriter Logan Ledger, with the renowned Russ Pahl on pedal steel. See track listing with collaborations below.
Switchback is The Shootouts’ fourth album and the follow-up to their acclaimed 2023 release Stampede. Since then, the group has made their Ryman Debut earlier this year, appeared on the Grand Ole Opry seven times and has items on display in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as part of the “Cleveland Rocks” exhibition.
