Combining an indie pop aesthetic with a country-rock engine, the Trouble With Sweeney are a vehicle for decidedly literary homespun reflections. While their sound has drawn comparisons to '60s folk rockers
the Lovin' Spoonful and
the Turtles, lead vocalist
Joey Sweeney's scratchy croon delivers melodies with phrasing similar to
Wilco's
Jeff Tweedy, just as lead guitarist John Howkins maneuvers through some decidedly twangy guitar leads to give their sound a more modern alternative country currency. While their subject matter rarely wanders too far from small-town romance and disillusioned reflections, jaunty tunes like "$500-A-Day Hall of Mirrors," highlighted by banjo and flute, create more ebullient sounds. Still, many moods are rife with alienation and regret, from the bouncy rockabilly of "Kitty" to
the Replacements mixed with
Neil Young of "Is That Your Car?" Endearing from the first listen, endlessly charming, and a positively good journey, the Trouble With Sweeney ultimately make their home at a familiar crossroads, yet still manage to stake out a little new territory for themselves. ~ Matt Fink