The final product is ’90s rock in Wrangler jeans and cowboy boots, something that fans of Taddy Porter and Kings of Leon will appreciate.
Much like The Avengers, each member is given the chance to play the hero over the course of the 10-track effort. Singer Adam Banner lets his pipes roar in opener “Get Free” — anchored by a killer, Red Hot Chili Peppers-worthy bass line by Zack Baker — following that with a lovely acoustic hook in “Lie with Me.”
“February Snow” is carried by a drumbeat from James Gilmartin that would do Dave Grohl proud, and Richard Hunter’s saxophone steals many a moment in the record, although it’s especially flaunted in “Gypsy Jam” and “Sweet Perfume.”
Moonshine is all over the place, however, playing more like a greatest-hits collection than a cohesive album. That’s a testament to how the singles stand on their own, but also a criticism of the jarring transitions that even a shuffling of the song order could help remedy.
However, that’s an easy fix, and there’s a lot more here to like than not. Catch The SweetWater live for free, 9 p.m. Friday at Thunder Alley Grill & Sports Lounge, 2127 S.W. 74th. For more information, call 702-0302 or visit thunderalleyokc.com. —Joshua Boydston
This article appears in May 23-29, 2012.