The Stray Birds, Jordie Lane

Pennsylvania’s the Stray Birds first turned heads — and ears — with a 2012 self-titled debut album that was named one of NPR’s top-10 folk and Americana records that year, among other accolades. Now they’re back with a new album, Best Medicine, which improves upon the band’s winning blend of pop and roots influences with a more focused, yet expansive, approach to song craft, harmony and melody. The result is a stirring work that places the trio among the most promising Americana acts in the country. The Stray Birds play the Higher Ground Showcase Lounge on Friday, November 21. Australian songwriter Jordie Lane opens.