If you haven’t caught Clay Street Unit live yet, you need to change that.

The 6-piece outfit from Denver, CO blends elements of bluegrass, country, jam, rock, and soul into a unique string-fueled attack backed by drums and a killer pedal steel. Their unique sound shines through on all of their recorded music, especially their recent debut record Sin & Squalor, but they really take it to another level in their live show. And they’re releasing a live album to prove it.

Having recently added a full-time fiddle to the band, Clay Street Unit has decided to release a live album pulled from several shows on their recent spring tour. Titled Live From the Road – Vol. 1, the project features 10 must-hear tracks that capture the essence of one of the best live shows the genre has to offer.

With extended jams and frequent improvisation, Clay Street Unit takes a high-energy approach to their live show that feels more like a jam band than most acts under the country umbrella, making for a unique experience every time you see them. Moreover, like most jam bands do, they pull from a revolving repertoire of covers to put their own spin on songs from other artists a few times each show.

One of the more popular covers they do is of MGMT’s modern classic “Kids,” so it makes perfect sense they’d lead off the rollout of the live album with this one. Recorded during their headlining performance at the US National Whitewater Center’s Tuck Fest in Charlotte, NC on 4/26/26, Clay Street Unit’s string-fueled twist on this pop-hit is a strong representation of what they bring to the table as a band. Check out the new release here:

I was a this show back in April, so I can attest, the vibes were about as high as they could be out there. For anyone who is not familiar, the USNWC is a massive outdoor facility on the edge of Charlotte that is home to the world’s largest man-made whitewater river. Hosting everyone from recreational beginners to Olympians training at the facility, the whitewater aspect is the main attraction, but the facility also offers a slew of other outdoor activities and frequent events throughout the year, including live music, highlighted by the annual Tuck Fest each spring. With white water rafters and kayakers circling the stage and zip liners up above, the USNWC makes for one a one-of-a-kind concert experience.

Over the years, the likes of Tyler Childers, Caamp, Trampled by Turtles, and many other prominent acts have graced the Tuck Fest stage, but Clay Street Unit’s performance this year gives them all a run for their money. The originals were amazing as always, and clearly this “Kids” cover was spectacular. But for me, the highlight of the show was the extended encore. Bringing the talented Cris Jacobs and his band on stage after they had played first, the encore essentially transformed into a jam-heavy cover set including several all-time classics; JJ Cale’s “Call Me the Breeze,” Little Feat’s “Willin’,” The Band’s “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” John Anderson’s “Seminole Wind,” and Grateful Dead’s “I Know You Rider.” It doesn’t get much better than that.

But I digress. Clay Street Unit is comprised of frontman/guitarist Sam Walker, mandolinist Scottie Bolin, Jack Kotarba on bass, Brad Larrison slinging pedal steel and dobro, Brendan Lamb keeping the boys in line on the drums, and Dan Andree rounding things out on fiddle as the band’s latest addition. Together, these guys are an absolute force on stage. If you’re curious what other songs are going to be included on the live record, here’s the track list for your reference.

Live from the Road – Vol. 1

“Freightline Blues – Live from Atlanta, GA”

“Drive – Live from Louisville, KY”

“Virginia – Live from Hampden-Sydney, VA”

“Let’s Get Stoned – Live from Oklahoma City, OK”

“One Last Time – Live from Southern Pines, NC”

“Rollin’ – Live from Houston, TX”

“Engine Trouble – Live From Southern Pines, NC”

“Where Have You Gone? – Live from Louisville, KY”

“Kids – Live from Charlotte, NC”

“The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down – Live from Richmond, VA”

And as I mentioned previously, Clay Street Unit released their long-awaited debut record Sin & Squalor back on February 13, and it’s one of the best albums of the year so far. Featuring 11 original tracks, the album has something for everyone sonically and features Walker and Bolin at their best as songwriters. If you haven’t already given it a listen, here are a few of my favorites to get you started. But don’t stop here, make sure to give the whole album a spin.

“Choctaw County”

“Virginia”

“Rollin’”

And of course, if they’re playing a concert near you soon, I highly recommend snagging a ticket. You won’t regret it. These guys tour relentlessly, so if there isn’t a show in your city on the books right now, I’m sure they’ll be rolling through before too long.