With the upcoming release of their sophomore album, The Game (due September 9, 2016 on American Paradox), The Congress progresses further along a career path that’s taken them from Denver, CO, where they first formed, back to their hometown of Richmond, VA. They’ve followed a circuitous route, one that’s found them touring with high profile bands like Lake Street Dive, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and Hard Working Americans, and performing at major festivals like Wakarusa and High Sierra.

The band’s infectious sound is truly out of the rock and roll tradition, high-energy music that brings influences from soul, country, psychedelia and more. Those influences all come together in “New Amsterdam,” the third track that has leaked from The Game. The song starts with a rattling drum and bass intro, before hitting hard into a full fledged rocker. The band breaks things down nicely, with great guitar and piano solos before a grand finale.

The palpable energy of “New Amsterdam” can be heard below, exclusively via Live for Live Music.

“‘New Amsterdam’ was written by our guitarist/vocalist Scott Lane a few years back as an acoustic guitar tune,” said bassist Jonathan Meadows. “We were in the Snake River Saloon in Dillon, Colorado between sets and he showed me the jist of the tune. Then we started throwing ideas around and it morphed rather quickly into a quirky, danceable thing. It now serves as our big rocker towards the end of most shows.” Lane and Meadows are joined by Chris Speasmaker (keys) and new member Raphael Katchinoff (drums) to form The Congress.

Starting this Sunday, the band will hit the road for a four-date tour with Hard Working Americans, and have a headlining tour planned throughout the fall. Check out their full schedule below, and head to The Congress’ official website for more details.

The Congress Tour Dates

08.19 Starkville, MS @ Moe’s BBQ
08.20 Jackson, MS @ Martin’s
08.21 Knoxville, TN @ Bijou Theatre **
08.23 Charlotte, NC @ Neighborhood Theatre **
08.24 Wilmington, NC @ Brooklyn Arts Center **
08.25 Saxapahaw, NC @ Haw River Ballroom **
08.26 Tahoe City, CA @ Moe’s Original BBQ
09.08 Charlottesville, VA @ The Southern
09.16 Rock Camp, WV @ Pink Moon Festival
09.17 Roanoke, VA @ Martin’s Downtown
09.22 Richmond, VA @ The Broadberry
09.27 Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Bowl
** w/ Hard Working Americans

[Photo by Joey Wharton]