Welcome to the Woods (republic/universal)
If you’re the opening act for big-name artists like Willie Nelson, John Mayer, and the Allman Brothers, you must be doing something right. Indeed, this rock-and-roll quintet from Atlanta show what’s landed them these opening spots on their debut album. Fans of rootsy rock like The Jayhawks and early Mellencamp can sink their teeth into this formula of well-penned songs, tasteful guitar solos, and natural vocal talent. There’s even a sonic glimpse of The Band with the addition of a horn in “Walking Blind.”