Courtesy Emory Quinn likes to keep their shows energetic by changing instruments in mid-song.

THE BAND: Emory Quinn

THE MEMBERS: Clint Bracher (lead vocals, guitar, harmonica, piano); Nathan Rigney (lead guitar, fiddle, mandolin, vocals, steel guitar, cello, banjo, xylophone); Case Bell (bass, organ, piano)

THE SOUND: “After the first album, it was kind of hard to tell, but after this one (The Road Company, released April 21) I would describe us as a straight-up Americana band,” said Bracher, who writes the songs.

The guys belonged to the same frat at Texas A&M, so there are the requisite songs about partying, and their second album has songs about life on the road typical of sophomore efforts.

But “No In Between” is about a friend in a dysfunctional relationship, and “Ships and Planes” is about maturing and examining what’s important in life. “Idabel” is a quintessential country outlaw song.

The trio likes to change up their instrumentation from song to song and sometimes switches instruments mid-song when playing live.

“It keeps us on our toes and entertained, and also the crowd likes it because they’re like, oh, my God, what are they doing?” Rigney said.

THE BACKGROUND: Bracher and Rigney formed a duo in 2002; the name of the band comes from their middle names (Bracher’s is Quinn and Rigney’s is Emory). Bell joined them in 2003.

THE ALBUMS: Letting Go (2006); The Road Company (2008)

THE WEB SITES: emoryquinn.com; myspace.com/emoryquinn

CHECK THEM OUT: At their CD release party Friday, May 2, at Sam’s Burger Joint. The band meets fans from 7 to 8 p.m. and plays at 9:15 p.m.; Maren Morris performs at 8 p.m.

THE 210 TAKE: Catch one of Emory Quinn’s energetic live shows. “It’s not just the music that draws fans,” Bell said. “It’s like what Jimmy Buffett has, a fun atmosphere and lifestyle that people identify with.” Check out “Downtown San Antone,” off the first album, which could (and should) become a local anthem.

Jessica Belasco | 210SA contributor