SVJ Album of the Week: Les Gruff and the Billy Goat

Les Gruff and the Billy Goat has just released its eponymous second album -- a tighter, more cohesive effort than the band's first effort, 2013's sometimes rambling A Cup of Coffee, an Apple and a Suicide.

The new album, released to retail and streaming outlets Friday, is a focused collection of 11 roots-rock tracks. Billy Croghan's strong, expressive voice floats effortlessly over instrumental accompaniment dominated by Tony Compton's lead guitar and Sean Kamery's electric fiddle.

Croghan and the band have been working hard this summer playing live events and making promotional appearances leading up to its album-release show Saturday night at Off Broadway. But the band apparently is going to enjoy some time off, as it has no dates on its calendar right now.

You can keep up with Les Gruff and the Billy Goat at the band's website and its Facebook page.