Open and Honest: Nashville Trio, The Band CAMINO Back With NeverAlways
Label: Elektra
Released: July 25, 2025
By Joe Hindle
Self-stylized on Spotify as “Your Mom’s Favorite Band,” The Band CAMINO are back with their third studio album: NeverAlways. The trio of Spencer Stewart, Jeffrey Jordan and Garrison Burgers have been forging onwards. Known for their pop-rock and electric shows, The Band CAMINO has returned with a varied and more introspective sound. This album has some psychedelic hints to it, especially with the track “Infinity,” which talks about being on a “Hero’s dose in a hurricane.”
Although the lyrics come across as occasionally plain, they are open and honest. Jason Isbell, one of the United States’ best songwriters, in my opinion, recommends strict adherence to truth in music. The BAND Camino have somewhat adopted a notion of this wisdom into their work.
The album features frequent moments highlighting synthesizers and vocoders, especially with the first track, “HasJustBegun.” Quickly, this track morphs into the following song, “Pieces,” demonstrating the band’s commitment to high production value and cohesion. This commitment illuminates a level of maturity that was not present on previous records.
Thankfully, the band is driven primarily by guitars. Whether or not you find the shallow lyrics ingratiating or annoying, they will always be backed up with creative drumming and solid guitar-playing. This is a band that pays attention to popular music and its propensity for electronics. They play to their strengths, and utilize both the voice of Spencer and Jeffrey, sharing the lead vocals throughout the album.
Being a fan of The Band CAMINO, these songs appear a little more subdued and thoughtful. For newcomers, this record has all the staples of the band present: loud and layered electric guitars, autotuned vocals, and stadium-ready drumming. The band has delivered another pop-rock record, but this time around, they are longer in the tooth, and have acquired a wry sense of humor.
I doubt that this album will be as popular as previous records, considering it has fewer catchy songs. Fortunately, this tradeoff has created a more coherent album.
For example, “Pieces,” is about being in your late twenties and not having your act together. The lyrics are accompanied by crashing cymbals and jolty keyboards. The guitar riff sounds familiar, and Jeff’s vocals echo frequently throughout the tune. A more pop-y and produced number, its rhythm draws fans in and openly displays Jeff’s private concerns. This is almost a textbook Band CAMINO song, that unfortunately fails to become an earworm. The band is capable of writing radio hits, with “2/14” and “See Through” serving as wonderful examples. Based on a few listens of this album, I don’t think there are standout songs with the quality of “2/14” or “See Through.”
The band has never been known for their deep, insightful lyricism. This is not a bad thing, however, as they produce light and airy songs about uncertain love with a mild degree of success. Excitingly, this album indicates a move away from dull songwriting. It appears that they are on the cusp of a new sound. Unfortunately, these newer sounds are a little more vague and spacey. I much prefer the band at their crunchiest.
“Limbo,” has the time for a frantic guitar solo, and dramatic drum fills. Standing out as one of the better songs on the album, this record feels dynamic, since it opens with a somberly played piano, crescendoing with a crashing final chorus.
When they experiment, the Band CAMINO can be nuanced and varied. This album comes across as brave and different. Though it may miss the mark, there is no shame in aiming for accuracy and difference.