Promised Land Sound

Hailing from Nashville, indie outfit Promised Land Sound fuses refined country-rock with understated psychedelic pop bearing a retro tinge. Composed of youthful yet experienced musicians who surfaced from the city’s thriving garage circuit, the group differentiated itself promptly by leaning into twang, soul, and melodic pop rather than blunt bravado. Core songwriting falls to vocalist and bassist Joey Scala together with guitarist Sean Thompson, while Joey’s younger brother Evan completes the founding trio on drums and vocals. Keyboardist Ricardo Alessio later joined the lineup and quickly won favor with Jack White, who put out their live single “Yes You Can” in 2013. After inking a deal with North Carolinian independent Paradise of Bachelors, Promised Land Sound issued their self-titled debut album before year’s end. Soon after its arrival, Alessio exited and the band resumed touring as a trio, opening for Alabama Shakes and Angel Olsen. The ensemble grew once more by adding guitarist and singer Peter Stringer-Hye of Nashville psych band the Paperhead plus Fly Golden Eagle keyboardist Mitch Jones, forming the five-piece responsible for its follow-up. Issued in October 2015, For Use and Delight presented a tighter and more polished aesthetic that spotlighted the musicians’ maturing songcraft and instrumental command.