Although they’ve been around since 1997, Taproot only released their second album late last year. The disc, Welcome, finds the band more introspective than on their debut, Gift, and the critics have welcomed the change.

“Welcome represents the first time that we’ve had [the] opportunity to go into the studio and experiment, to explore our songwriting and really create something that was uniquely Taproot,” singer/guitarist Stephen Richards said.

Fans wanting to nab the band’s latest album and some gear have been offered a little incentive from the group. Through their official Web site, taprootmusic.com, all orders over $75 will come with a free, autographed drumstick.

Tickets for Taproot’s tour are on sale now through Ticketmaster, with most prices under $15.