Ruf Records will release Straight to It, the debut studio album from The Zac Schulze Gang, on September 26, 2025. True to its title, the record doesn’t waste time with pleasantries. Instead, it dives headlong into a raw mix of blues-infused rock’n’roll, powered by a trio that thrives on energy, grit, and unity.
At the heart of the band is guitarist and frontman Zac Schulze. His reputation as a formidable player precedes him, yet the Gang’s appeal extends well beyond his fretwork. With brother Ben Schulze on drums and Ant Greenwell on bass, this is a unit built on chemistry. Together, they create a roar that is both heavy and tuneful, placing songs and feel above technical flash.
Songs with bite and breadth
Straight to It opens with “The Rocker,” a breathless rallying cry that sets the tone. The momentum continues through “High Roller,” where Zac channels the jagged attack of Dr. Feelgood’s Wilko Johnson. Elsewhere, the album showcases variety without losing muscle: the power-pop shimmer of “Angeline,” the soaring alt-rock of “Betterland,” and the grit-soaked groove of “I Won’t Do This Anymore,” featuring Nigel Feist on harmonica. The result is a record that balances toughness with melody, evoking both the fire of Rory Gallagher and the menace of the British pub-rock tradition.
Inspired beginnings
Rory Gallagher’s shadow looms large in the band’s story. During the pandemic, Zac stumbled across a clip of Gallagher tearing through “Bullfrog Blues” and immediately shared it with Ben. The performance lit a fire that pushed the brothers to form what became The Zac Schulze Gang. Rooted in their hometown of Gillingham, Kent, and sharpened on Europe’s DIY punk and blues circuits, the trio soon carved out a space of their own.
A breakthrough came in 2022 with their appearance at Rory Gallagher’s Tribute Festival, which helped propel them onto the wider UK blues stage. From there, their reputation snowballed, built on a relentless work ethic and the kind of live show that leaves little doubt about their commitment.
Road warriors turned award winners
By 2023, the Gang were clocking up around 250 shows a year, from sweaty club nights to high-profile slots opening for Eddie 9V and Samantha Fish. They even found themselves on the bill at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Festival in Los Angeles, a milestone moment that hinted at the international recognition to come.
Alongside the touring, releases like the Made of Three EP and the live album Live and Loud kept their momentum building. In 2024, the UK Blues Awards named them Best Emerging Blues Band, followed by Young Artist of the Year in 2025.
Looking forward, not back
Produced by longtime collaborator Ian Sadler, Straight to It underlines why The Zac Schulze Gang are being tipped for bigger things. While steeped in tradition, their sound isn’t about nostalgia. Instead, it’s a bold, full-throttle take on blues-rock for today’s audiences. With songs that hit hard and a spirit that thrives on the road, the Gang have delivered a debut album that feels like the start of something much larger.
Straight to It will be released worldwide via Ruf Records on September 26, 2025.
