ALLEN-FORRESTER BAND – Red Dirt Town

Red Dirt Town is the title of the new studio album by the ALLEN-FORRESTER BAND, set for release on October 2, 2026, on the band's own label EBF Records, distributed by Timezone Records.

The American-German quartet—consisting of namesakes Josh Allen (vocals, guitar) and Ben Forrester (guitar), alongside bassist Hendrik Herder and drummer Matze Böhm—made an immediate impact with their self-titled debut album in 2023, followed by the two digital live releases Heading South and Eastbound. Combined with their extensive touring, the band's energetic blend of hard-hitting blues rock and melodic Southern rock, driven by Josh Allen's gritty vocals and Ben Forrester's expressive guitar work, quickly earned them a loyal and growing fanbase.

Now the ALLEN-FORRESTER BAND returns with their second studio album, Red Dirt Town, opening an exciting new chapter in the band's story.

Rather than serving as a direct continuation of the debut album, Red Dirt Town represents the band's natural evolution. While firmly rooted in Southern rock, blues, and Americana—and inspired by pioneers and legends such as The Allman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Black Crowes, and Blackberry Smoke—the band has continued to develop its own sound without losing sight of its musical identity. This time, elements of modern Americana and country rock have found their way into the songwriting, resulting in an album that honors its traditional roots while embracing fresh sonic colors. That same philosophy shaped the production: warm, organic vintage-inspired tones captured with a modern approach.

Recorded entirely on 2-inch analog tape, Red Dirt Town is completely AI-free—a fact the band proudly highlights on the album artwork.

The album's ten brand-new songs were recorded in two sessions during breaks from touring in the summer of 2025 and January 2026. Together they explore themes of friendship, personal convictions, life's experiences, and the human journey.

The driving rocker "Misery Likes Company," shifting between a laid-back half-time groove and energetic momentum, tells the story of a couple who can't live with each other—but can't live without each other either. Returning guest keyboardist Simon Oslender, who appears on every track once again, adds Hammond organ and Wurlitzer to fuel the song's energy, while Ben's extended melodic guitar solo stands as one of the album's musical highlights.

"White Picket Fences" is one of Ben's most personal songs, reflecting on his decision to leave behind his hometown and a secure career in the United States in order to follow love and build a new life abroad. Sometimes it takes a leap of faith to find true happiness. Atmospheric violin performances by guest musician Gustavo Strauß (d'Artagnan) give the song a uniquely emotional character. Equally heartfelt is "Little Breathin' Reason," where Josh and Ben share their experiences of becoming fathers and how parenthood reshapes priorities when a small child suddenly becomes the center of your world—someone worth fighting for, giving your very best, and setting an example for.

The songs "Fifty," a semi-acoustic track featuring the band's signature sound and a slide guitar solo from Ben, and the title track "Red Dirt Town," which also marks the first time Ben takes lead vocals on the verses, are the result of the band's first collaboration with outside songwriter Cedric Cherney, who contributed the lyrics to both songs.

Red Dirt Town was recorded at FBK Studios in Nuremberg and Soundgarden Studio in Neunhof. The album was produced and mixed by Ben Forrester. Mastering and tape transfer were handled by Christoph Beyerlein at Streetlife Studio in Nuremberg. The artwork was created by Nicole Forrester of Nicole Visconti Designs.

Tracklist

1. Skin Deep

2. Misery likes Company

3. White Picket Fences

4. Sweet Marie

5. Fifty

6. Here’s To The Good Times

7. Under Her Spell

8. Red Dirt Town

9. Little Breathin’ Reason

10. From the Ashes

Band

• Josh Allen (Lead Vocals, Electric Guitar, Background Vocals)

• Ben Forrester (Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Resonator Guitar, Lead Vocal, Background Vocals, Claps)

• Hendrik Herder (Bass, Background Vocals)

• Matthias Böhm (Drums and Percussion, Background Vocals)

Guest Musician

• Simon Oslender (Hammond Organ, Wurlitzer, Rhodes, Clavinet, and Piano) all songs

• Gustavo Strauß (Fiddle) track 3 only

More Information

• Produced & Mixed by Ben Forrester

• Recorded at FBK Studio in Nuremberg, Germany (except Drums)

• Drums & Percussion recorded at Sound Garden Studio in Neunhof, Germany

• Mastering & Tape Transfer by Christoph Beyerlein at Streetlife Studio in Nuremberg,

  Germany

• Album Artwork by Nicole Forrester at Nicole Visconti Designs

• Photography by Emanuel Schwarz

• Release Date: October 2, 2026 ( CD | Vinyl | Streaming)

• All Songs composed by Allen-Forrester Band (except Fifty and Red Dirt Town, Lyrics by Cedric Cherney)

• Label: EBF Music Records

• Distributor: Timezone Records

• PR Contact: Birgit Bräckte | Brooke Lynn Promotions

• Booking & Management: Eva Forrester | EBF Music