Tim Lee only helps on two tracks, but his influence and/or company is felt in everything the Tenderhooks do. An AltCountry sound with a screech and hitch in its step lets Tenderhooks bleed electric guitar sound but still come back to an acoustic core.

Ballads sound like the Feelies woken up. Tracks like “Always Raining in My Town” reach back for a Drivin’ ‘n’ Cryin’ country rock with a little of the angular odd angles of fIREHOSE (Mike Watt).

The acoustic sunrise of “Armchair Pharmacist” is supplemented with the instrumental bridge featuring country-type musings found on Camper van Beethoven. The force of the album, though, comes on the first track, “Kidstuff,” where the band shows they really want to thrash around on country rock, whereas “Mouthful of Rain” lets that Son Volt vibe ride into Blue Mountain.

All of this sound is wonderfully funneled into microphones, wires, boards, mixers by Don Coffey, Jr. (Superdrag).

Thanks to Tenderhooks and Rock Snob Records for the review CD.