“Breaking Promises” lets the fiddle player shine while delivering a wry, humorous tune about the trials of hard living: “Goodbye left brain cells / We’ve had some good times / Breakin’ promises one at a time.” The tune is tailor-made for country radio; it’s that polished and sure.

Acoustic ballad closer “In Too Deep” is another cut that easily could translate to radio success. Novotny flexes his emotive power, and it’s downright convincing. The strong performances throughout only are aided by Trent Bell’s clear, precise engineering.

“Sad Songs and Whiskey” is an excellent release that should be snapped up by fans of hot country. Catch the band every Friday and Saturday at Sliders, 2616 Interstate 35 Service Road. —Stephen Carradini