Fans of Justin Townes Earl, Alabama Shakes, or Old Crow Medicine Show may be familiar with their sometime-opening act Robert Ellis. The Nashville songwriter has set February 11th as the release date for his third album, “Lights from the Chemical Plant.” Ellis recorded it at The Casino in East Nashville with producer Jacquire King, who has worked with Tom Waits, Modest Mouse, and Kings of Leon. “Lights” is a stylistic departure from his previous folk and Americana roots, and is already receiving acclaim from the likes of Rolling Stone. Ellis is preparing for an October tour with Deer Tick, and is no doubt at home practicing such crowd favorites as “Friends Like Those.” C’mon, not everyone can deadpan the words ‘chocolate puddin” in their lyrics. –Terra James-Jura
