An alt-country, Americana-styled roots rock band out of Sacramento, California consisting of drummer Christopher Amaral, vocalist and guitarist Tony Brusca, bassist and vocalist Paul Zinn, and lead guitarist and singer Steve Amaral, the Nickel Slots were formed in 2008, and their bright, energetic sound, which at its best crosses Johnny Cash country with a punk veneer, garnered them an enthusiastic and loyal fan base. The band self-released two albums, the eponymous Nickel Slots in 2009 and 2011's Five Miles Gone, both of which impressed critics and expanded the group's audience. ~ Steve Leggett