The Coal Men at Ashland Coffee and Tea

Saturday, Jan. 25. 8 p.m.

The roots rock Americana of the Coal Men is born to run in the darkness on the edge of town. The project of guitarist and vocalist Dave Coleman and drummer Dave Ray wears its Springsteen influence on its sleeve, with songs about small-town life, financial struggles and romance from a blue-collar perspective. The duo’s new album, “Escalator,” is a no-frills affair. Streamlined, midtempo rockers such as “One Thing at a Time” and “Broken Heartland” are barroom stomps that don’t stop to smell the roses, they stop to get a shot and a beer. And that’s the key to the Coal Men’s appeal. They make music to enhance the end-of-the-day moment and not belabor it, giving you a raise that your boss never will. The Coal Men celebrate the workingman on Saturday, Jan. 25, at Ashland Coffee and Tea. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. ashlandcoffeeandtea.com.

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