R.O.A.M. by Ron Houston is no ordinary album—it’s a cathartic journey through the trials and triumphs of a life rebuilt. Described by John Flint of KSON as “an exorcism... songs of lessons learned from mistakes, remorse, sadness, and beauty,” this ten-track collection is now receiving the full release it truly deserves.

Houston, who found sobriety in 2020, wrote the album during a period of intense self-reflection, overcoming personal struggles, including surviving a near-fatal bout with COVID-19. The result is a raw, deeply personal exploration of anger, empathy, redemption, and the human experience.

Described by critics as “high caliber outlaw country with a touch of folk” (Elise Cady, Americana Highways) and “engaging... at no small cost to himself” (Donald Teplyske, Fervor Coulee), R.O.A.M. is both intimate and expansive. With sparse instrumentation that builds into sweeping crescendos, Houston’s grizzled baritone breathes life into standout tracks like "Blood on the Mountain," "People Lookin' the Other Way," and "The Rain."

Houston surrounded himself with an all-star cast of musicians to bring R.O.A.M. to life:

• Jeff Berkley (guitars, banjo)
• Jerry Raney, Joey Harris, and Marc Intravaia (guitars)
• Rolle Love, Christopher Hoffee, and Ken Dow (bass)
• Matt Lynott and Joel Kmak (drums)
• Shawn Rohlf (banjo)
• Melissa Harley (fiddle)
• Josh Weinstein (keyboards)
• Backing vocals by Cathryn Beeks, Joshua Taylor, and Sandi King

Produced, mixed, and recorded by Jeff Berkley and mastered by Robbie Robinson, the album showcases Houston’s Bakersfield roots and San Diego influence, creating a sound that feels as weathered as it is hopeful. With lyrics that reflect the hard truths of Central Valley streets more than the sunshine of the California coastline, Houston proves himself a poet of poignant self-awareness and gritty authenticity.

Tracklist:

Whiskey Train (4:45)
Lines on My Face (5:02) FCC Warning
People Lookin’ the Other Way (4:11) FCC Warning
Waiting on a Miracle (4:27)
Blood on the Mountain (5:04)
Drinkin’ Got the Best of Me (4:19)
Life on the Edge of a Knife (5:32)
Raise a Lotta Hell (2:40) FCC Warning
The Rain (5:08)
Gun Sale at the Church (3:33)

With comparisons to The Bottle Rockets and Slobberbone, R.O.A.M. balances the polished with the raw, creating what Cesareo Garasa of The Bakersfield Californian calls "the musical equivalent of a Central Valley golden hour sunset."

Focus Tracks:

• Whiskey Train
• Blood on the Mountain
• Life on the Edge of a Knife
• The Rain

Houston’s deeply personal storytelling and haunting melodies will resonate with anyone who has faced their demons and come out stronger.

R.O.A.M. is available now for streaming and purchase.