A"Prairie Fire" is a drink that mixes tequila and hot sauce, ingredients that you might not think would work well together, but once you've tried it, realize it's a perfect combination. Adams Wilson adopted"Prairie Fires" as a sort of mascot when they decided to bring together their Pop/Rock songwriting with Country influences and instrumentation.Adams Wilson's first full-length record in 5 years features 10 brand new songs and 3 re-imagined tracks from previous albums, including"(Everything is) Golden," from 2012's"Lies Worth Telling" EP. The spirit of that track, which the band considers to be its best work to date, served as a bellwether for"Prairie Fires," driving the songs away from the familiar comfort of distorted Telecasters and Les Pauls, and toward acoustic arrangements featuring mandolin, pedal steel, upright bass, piano, and even cello.The band returned to GCR Audio in Buffalo, NY to recapture the"Golden" sound, and recruited veteran Americana bassist Mike Mean to help them hone their new musical direction. While working on this album, songwriters Adams Eberwein (vox/guitar/piano) and Matt Riley (guitar/mandolin) steeped themselves in the work of artists who hover just outside of the Nashville mainstream, including Alison Krauss & Union Station, Jason Isbell, Drive-By Truckers, Ryan Adams, Counting Crows, and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.The band found their stride in Buffalo, and in just 8 days put together the Americana album they've been trying to make since the band started back in 2007. Songs range from 4-on-the-floor stompers ("Don't You,""Hellbound") to Alt-Country flat-pickers ("Roll On,""Oh") to acoustic-driven ballads ("Sidekick,""Delusional").Dared by a fan to stop hiding his meanings, on"Prairie Fires," lyricist Adams Eberwein lays his cards on the table, including fears about dying alone -- by choice, falling heart-over-brain in love, and addictions to the people and habits that might just be killing him."Prairie Fires" mixes together the strong writing and performances you expect from Adams Wilson with Americana instrumentation and arrangements, resulting in the band's strongest and most unique release.