Formed by songwriting partners Tim Warren and Eric Donnelly while attending Fairfield University in Connecticut, Alternate Routes is the type of commercially viable pop-rock group that, with just the right kind of radio single, easily could be launched into the Top 40. Warren and Donnelly turn straight-ahead guitar melodies into their own kind of plaintive anthems, and wield an earnest roots vibe that makes them a shoo-in choice to open large venues for comeback kids Train. Recently parting ways with Vanguard Records to independently release its third album, “Lately,” Alternate Routes is scheduled to perform at Ashland Coffee and Tea on Friday, Oct. 29, at 8 p.m. $15-$20.