Country music has shifted from its more traditional roots, and its reformation is visible in artists like Sturgill Simpson. His critical acclaim earned him a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year — despite warring against the Nashville pop-country music industry — and a Grammy win for Best Country Album of the Year.

Lesser-known artists like the The Grahams, a country-rock duo managed by Steinhardt senior Zach Daniels, demonstrate the genre’s shifts. The group recently came back to New York from Nashville for a hometown show at Rockwood Music Hall. During their fiery 45-minute set, the duo and their excellent band proved that straightforward, high-powered country music — the sort that Johnny Cash delivered in his prime — is thriving, even in the small clubs of a northeastern city.

When the band walked onstage, the crew was greeted by a host of friends and fans. After sharing smiles and hellos, the group quickly jumped into its set with charged renditions of tracks from their 2015 album, “Glory Bound.” On the album’s title track and “Griggstown,” the band provided strong, harmony-laden hooks  — the kind that inspire you to sing along while driving with the windows down.

Co-bandleader Doug Graham added an exciting edge to the music as his acoustic guitar ran through a range of effects that were reminiscent of Duane Allman. On record, The Grahams’ production and arrangements often feel too neat and tidy, which tend to obscure the songwriting. When the group is stripped to the bare instruments, both Doug and his wife — lead vocalist and guitarist Alyssa Graham — offer raw performances. This sound also encourages greater appreciation for the strong songwriting showcased on “Gambling Girl” and “Carrying the Torch,” a tune off 2014’s “Riverman’s Daughter.”

Throughout the evening, the chemistry between Alyssa and Doug captivated the audience. Their shared glances showed their affection while allowing them to communicate musically. This was especially apparent during their set closer — a stellar cover of Neil Young’s “Down By the River.” After leading the crowd through the song’s sing-along chorus, the pair turned inwards for an extended jam. Doug led the audience on an electrifying musical journey as the band built the crowd up for an anthemic final chorus. Following this climactic ending, the band made its bows to calls of “Encore!” and descended to mingle with fans.

It’s nice to see a pair of New Yorkers proudly wearing the country-music badge and proving that the genre consists of more than the Toby Keiths and Tim McGraws who dominate it.

Email Carter Shelter at [email protected].