Standoff (Almost Country, 2013)

Those who are not overly familiar with the tight knit Texas music scene may not yet know the Casey Donahew Band. This is country music with a rock and roll edge, something like their neighbors from Oklahoma, Cross Canadian Ragweed. The great album art rounds out the entire package, providing the perfect complement to its brand of rugged Texas music.

Lead single Whiskey Baby is a straightforward rocker that seems to illustrate the band's trademark sound. They slow things down for the love ballad with a twist, Pretending She's You and the tender Missing You, but for the most part there's a hard edge to the songs. They collaborate with JB Patterson from JB and the Moonshine Band for the fun Loser and shift the tone serious for the excellent Put the Bottle Down.

The lyrical themes on the album fluctuate between love and hate and varying degrees of alcohol in between. One minute Donahew is professing his love to a woman, the next he is drunk and angry. It seems that the life of a country rock singer isn't as glamorous as one would think.

The Casey Donahew Band has delivered a solid effort with this release, which doesn't stray too far from its regular formula. Current fans will enjoy the rough rockers, while new listeners may be attracted to something a little less polished than country radio is currently delivering. Those who prefer Cody Canada's pre-Departed work and worship Reckless Kelly should find something to enjoy here.