Badwater - Straight From The Tap (2008)

You can see it: A fine cover that really makes you thirsty, and then, with "Straight From The Tap," even a promising album title.
Badwater: Without even hearing a single note, the four guys from Tahlequah, Oklahoma, put you in a good mood. The beer is also reflected in images throughout the diverse booklet, which contains all the lyrics. On the last page, there's a whole battery of beer taps. Cheers!
It's surprising, then, that you don't find the word 'beer' in a single title, but you do find two tracks with high-proof spirits: "Cheap Whiskey" and "Whiskey Train."
Whether it's alcoholic fermentation or a combination of distillation, what's important is what these young men bring to the table musically.
Oops, even the opener, "Never Know," has a damn short fuse.
What's appealing: It rocks with slide guitar and wah-wah sounds. Straightforward drumming (Arie Bird) and a powerful, dry bass (Garron Marsh) provide a strong foundation, and Bobby Wayne Hogshooter (is that really his name?) sings with a voice that fits like a glove.
But let's keep things in perspective, as only one song is over. Although, we're already approaching the repeat button.
What follows is one of the two Whiskey tracks.
Oops, Badwater are moving into different territory. When guest Randy Crouch (fiddle) joins in, you might suspect something country rock is in store. That's right... the fiddling is countered by a rocking electric guitar, there's a bit of dynamic juggling (a great part with just vocals and bass drum), a few breaks are thrown in, and Badwater has the next listener on the platter.
Then we'll switch directly to "Whiskey Train." "Weekend comes, let the party begin... turn it up loud, let the Hell's Bells ring..."
The fuse has burned, and we're right in the middle of it, in a Southern rock-infused Badwater brew. Hell, they're about to deliver another great song from the backwoods into our own four walls, and with singer/guitarist Bobby Wayne Hogshooter, they have a true talent in the band.
None of the other musicians need to get their hands dirty; all the songs are Hogshooter's. He's got it and has probably been washed with the finest Southern rock spring water.
Open the windows and let your neighbors share in the spicy rock 'n' roll brand of "Down At The River." With sharp guitar and harp (Ian Sullivan), you've got the party buzzing.
"Bring On The Blues" is a soulful slinky featuring a finely nuanced guitar, and with this ballad, the group begins to bring you to your knees.
One more instance of gentle seduction and you're done for. What am I even writing... with "Oklahoma Son (Ballad Of Bill Doolin)" it's already there! An outlaw number that melts ice in an instant.
One crazy 6-string solo follows the next, the twin guitars work brilliantly, and Sullivan puts you in a good mood with his chorus vocals ("Beautiful Sad Song").
What Hogshooter and Co. understand by groove, they bring to the table with "Country Line." It's only Southern Rock, but I like it!
"Living a Lie" is grandiose mid-tempo cinema, and in "She's All Mine," the guitars riff their way through the undergrowth. Dirty playing, the silver disc also lends a fitting sound.
Finally, they once again let their country rock flow from the speakers. "Aim's Getting Better" is a wonderful swaying tune. Fiddle-Crouch is back, and Sullivan has his harp between his lips.
It's also possible with plenty of drive and compactness: "Rolling Stoned" is, in a nutshell, equipped with everything an appealing Southern rocker should have.