Recorded with the kind of easy chemistry that only comes from seasoned players, these ten tracks drift comfortably between country-rock, Americana, and mini-bar blues without sounding nostalgic for nostalgia’s sake. Todd Adelman (vocals, guitar), Danny Blume (guitar), Jeff Hill (bass), and John Valesio (drums) know exactly when to push and when to hold back, where necessary adding a playful twist to their back-to-basics approach.

There is plenty to enjoy in the lyrics (the Slippery When Wet and Too Hot to Handle tattoo references in Hot As The Hinges—the most exuberant track on the record—had me instantly), but that’s just one piece of the puzzle. From the songwriting to the performance, everything clicks into place. These guys aren’t trying to reinvent the decades-old genre; they simply remind you how satisfying well-crafted songs, strong performances, unhurried vocals, and classic storytelling still can be, because they do it damn well.

Todd Adelman and the Woodsmen’s self-titled album is streaming via Vfib Recordings.