Discovering Sufferin’ Fools – Forest for the Trees

Every now and then, we get a message that reminds us why we started The Rugged Revival in the first place. Recently, Cameron Thomas from Sufferin’ Fools reached out and asked if we’d be willing to share a write-up on their new release. First off, we’re grateful that bands care enough about what we think to reach out - it means the world. And honestly, these are the exact moments when we stumble across our next favourite band.

Since Cameron’s message, we’ve had Sufferin’ Fools on repeat - both their earlier work and their brand-new record. There’s something about their sound that just hits. It’s timeless, rooted in that southern rock and country tradition we all know and love, but with a fresh, modern touch that makes it feel alive and current. It’s music that speaks straight to the soul.

The New EP: Forest for the Trees

On Friday, September 26, 2025, Sufferin’ Fools drop their second EP, Forest for the Trees. It’s a self-released collection of heartfelt country-rock tunes, the kind that tell real stories about real folks. The whole project was captured in true homegrown fashion at drummer Pete Schreiner’s studio in Leicester, NC - giving it that raw, intimate energy, reminiscent of The Basement Tapes.

The band hails from Weaverville, NC, and is made up of:

• Cameron Thomas (The Delta Drift, The Corduroy Road) – vocals, guitar, songwriting
• Andrew Wagley (Po-Boyz) – lead guitar
• Brad Pope (Lazybirds) – bass
• Pete Schreiner (Magnolia Electric Co., Thousand Arrows) – drums

Cameron’s approach to songwriting is about capturing life’s fleeting moments, turning emotions and experiences into something lasting. As he puts it:

“Even the best memories fade. Art, and music specifically, is a way to capture moments in time, preserve emotions good and bad, and memorialize life's victories and failures – because they tell the story of who we are.”

Written in a Storm, Recorded in Its Wake

Most of Forest for the Trees was written in the months before Hurricane Helene, then quickly recorded in its aftermath. That timing added a whole other layer to the music. For the band, the sessions became both an escape and a way to process emotions while their Asheville community began rebuilding.

Pete says:

“Musicians' feelings can’t help but come out through sound waves. We were lucky to have a place to channel our emotions.”

And you can feel it - every track is loaded with honesty and weight. These aren’t just songs, they’re stories of loss, struggle, regret, hope, and resilience.

The Sound

This record builds on the band’s classic two-guitar, bass, and drums foundation, but there’s more texture this time around. Pedal steel, hand percussion, and keyboards (courtesy of Cameron’s former bandmate Nick Foltz) all bring extra colour. Vocally, the harmonies step up too - the “country choir” effect makes every track feel full-bodied and rooted in tradition.

Cameron sums it up perfectly:

“One of the greatest pleasures of this project for me is being accompanied by an authentic and experienced group of musicians who perform as if the stories are their own to tell. I think they make my voice as a songwriter stronger, more real, and far more effective.”

EP Release Show

If you’re lucky enough to be near Weaverville, don’t miss the release show:

Friday, September 26, 2025 – 8 to 10pm
Eda’s Hide-a-Way
1098 New Stock Rd, Weaverville, NC 28787

Give them a follow, stream their music, and keep an ear out for what’s next. They do not disappoint!

www.SufferinFools.live
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