Music that takes the traditional road to a modern sound.

On Almost Home, Ghost Hounds comes through with a record that sonically feels like you are taking a road trip through the Southern American landscape in a pickup truck. The album looks and protrudes imagery of dusty highways, neon lit bar signs and cigarette butts littered all over the floor. With one cowboy boot planted in sonic tradition and the other landing on polished, radio-ready production, the band crafts a record that honors its roots while staying current with modern times.

From the opening tracks, there’s a confident strut in this record. The vocals are full of American blue color grit and gospel soul. There is a bright richness that is brought to each track, whether it’s the braggadocious beat of “She Runs Hot” or the aching and heart-breaking vulnerability on “Past The Point Of Rescue.” The guitars are classic in their tone, with riffs that contain a Southern-esque tinge.

Thematically, Almost Home walks a familiar tale of any good “American” story. It deals with heartbreak, redemption and longing, things all associated with success. The standout track “Before You Leave” balances storytelling with sonic beauty and excellence. “House A Home” dips into a feeling of yearning nostalgia without being too cliché.

Still, the record doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel; instead, it’s more about celebrating it and using it to their advantage. Some moments steer toward the safe or overly familiar end of the genre’s territory, but even then, the band’s overall musicianship and vocal delivery and skills keep things compelling and interesting. For fans of the group, Almost Home is a satisfying and inspiring listen. It is a record that’s not chasing the modern, current or hot trends, but instead is refining what they love to make into something that is sincere and feels like it has been road-worn.