Roots rock band American Babies is a showcase for the songwriting of Philadelphia-based singer/guitarist Tom Hamilton, a former member of Brothers Past, who initially filled out the group with his brother, Jim Hamilton, on bass and Joe Russo on drums, later adding guitarist Scott Metzger. They built up a following in the Northeast and Midwest, including a stop at the Bonnaroo Festival, before releasing their self-titled debut album on SCI Fidelity Records on April 1, 2008. ~ William Ruhlmann