×Ryan Davis & the Roadhouse Band

What does it mean when a musician is described as “literary”? Of course, such an adjective can be employed as a compliment, informing potential listeners that the performer understands the power of their words and takes the time to construct meaningful narratives in their songs. But the description can also signify a sort of neutered state, one where the fun often associated with music takes a back seat to capital “I” Ideas.

As New Threats from the Soul , the latest album from Ryan Davis & The Roadhouse Band, continues to make appearances on early “best of” lists for 2025, the word “literary” is often put on bandleader Davis. We want to make sense of this unique voice, so we place him in a lineage of other erudite singer-songwriters like David Berman an

See Full Page