Ted Z and the Wranglers Light a Fire with “Kerosene”

Fueled by acoustic grit, electric swagger, and hand-played tambourines, Kerosene is a heartfelt tribute to traditional American music modernized by one of the indie scene’s most authentic voices. Ted Z and the Wranglers are back, and their latest studio effort is nothing short of a statement.

The album, recorded at Firefly Music Studio in Orange County, California, features 10 richly textured tracks that blend Americana, folk, classic rock, country, blues, and roots rock. Recorded and mixed by drummer and band member Marcos de la Cruz, Kerosene carries a palpable sense of cohesion and intimacy throughout.

Led by frontman and songwriter Ted Zakka, the band lineup includes Jackson Leverone (lead guitar, vocals), Marcos de la Cruz (drums, vocals), Henry Clift (bass, vocals), and James Hamilton (guitar, vocals). Their chemistry, honed over years of touring and recording, shines brighter than ever on this new release.

“The album is a continuation of the evolution of their songwriting, incorporating more rock elements while staying true to their sound,” Ted Z shares. "I believe that this album is our best work thus far. It offers moments of contemplation, but is also a fun and cohesive sonic ride. We want our listeners to be able to spin the entire album and feel a full gamut of emotions. It took a few years to finish this project, but that let us road-test these songs and grow together as a band, and I think you can hear that in the arrangements and performances."

Kerosene kicks off with Right That Wrong, a love song that encourages vulnerability and living at the moment. Driven by a fierce guitar groove and a refreshing piano line, the track sets the tone for a collection that’s both powerful and intimate. Let Me Be Your Sin follows with a sultry, charismatic flair, capturing the reckless thrill of chasing love. Mid-album highlights include First Time, Bobbi Don’t Mind, Anyway, and Sadie, each showcasing the band’s ability to craft poetic, introspective lyrics that deepen the album’s emotional landscape.

Ted Zakka

One of the most touching moments arrives with Williamsburg, a song Ted Z wrote for his son. It’s a universal message from parent to child, rooted in hope and resilience. “The song is a reminder that people can make life changes and embark on a path of growth and light. It lends itself to the hope that the next generation will be wiser and more resilient and heed the advice of past mistakes by those who came first,” Ted shares.

The final trio— Baltimore, Lovin You Today, and Mercy—rounds out the album with vulnerability, grit, and authenticity. It’s a stirring close to a record that doesn’t follow a path—it carves one.

The release of Kerosene is accompanied by an ambitious tour across the U.S. and Mexico. Some of the key dates include:

May 3rd Album release DiPiazzas, Long Beach, CA
May 24th Strawberry Festival Garden Amp, Garden Grove, CA
June 6th-8th Circus Mexicus Festival Puerto Penasco, MX
June 15th Biergarten, Huntington Beach, CA
Aug 2nd-3rd Bluesapalooza Blues Festival, Mammoth, CA
Sept 18 Pappy & Harriet’s w/ Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, Pioneer Town, CA
Sept 19th Saint Rock with Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers, Hermosa Beach, CA
Sept 20th Belly Up with Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers, Solana Beach, CA
Oct 12th Silverado Country Fair and Folk Festival, Silverado, CA

Since forming in 2012, Ted Z and the Wranglers have built a reputation rooted in passion and raw talent. Their debut, Ghost Train, earned critical acclaim, while Southland solidified their honky-tonk revival status, with praise from Billboard and live appearances alongside legends like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Steppenwolf.

Kerosene marks a lyrical and sonic maturity forged by years of touring, collaborating, and staying true to their identity. It’s a record made not to impress trends, but to connect with hearts. In every note, every story, and every performance, Ted Z and the Wranglers prove that their place in American music is anything but accidental—it’s earned, lived, and proudly worn.

Connect with Ted Z And The Wranglers on Instagram and Twitter