Gothic Indie Americana band Del Roscoe has released “Black Hats,” the latest single from their upcoming self-titled debut album, out August 22nd, 2025, via Waydrift Records. The new track shows a “darker, more defiant side” of the Atlanta-based band.
 
Written by lead vocalist Robert Lee, “Black Hats” depicts “an ominous figure who spreads lies and fear from town to town to gain control.”

Lee says:

This song is a commentary on the current climate in America and beyond. The figure in the song represents the worst of humanity – the judge, jury, and executioner. It’s a condemnation of those who live on greed and control, and a reminder to good people not to be submissive or follow blindly. The world is full of ‘black hats.’ Beware.

Lee’s lead vocal is flanked by Tim Lee’s mandolin and harmonies, Yanaëlle Cornez’s electric guitar lines, Steve Thomas’ lap steel, and Debra Tala’s accordion, anchored by the late Paul Abrelat on bass and Matt McKenny on drums.

The band’s self-titled debut was built from “urgency and love.” Shortly after the band began recording, Paul Abrelat was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Determined to capture the songs they had been building together, the band moved forward quickly. Abrelat recorded all of his bass parts before his passing, and the album is dedicated to his memory.
 
The album features hand-drawn artwork and the band’s immersive live performances feature handmade masks, props, and symbolic visual elements, leaning into the human element.