Since 1998, Toronto's the Sadies have cranked out five albums, including new release New Seasons. Collaborations with Jon Langford and touring with Neko Case have helped push the Sadies into the subconscious of alt-country fans, and the stellar new release New Seasons may push them even further into the consciousness of music fans cross-genres. 

In an oddly soothing combination of the Byrds guitar and slow country waltz beats, the Sadies are not quite rockabilly or surf, but closer to the definition of alt-country defined by Whiskeytown and Uncle Tupelo. The Good brothers (Dallas and Travis) have both a twang and a croon that helps blend the clash of musical genres masterfully. The lyrics, too, are not too country or too rock n roll; they display a masculine tenderness rarely spoken but achingly traditional.  

"My Heart of Wood" has an amazing texture body of guitar, lilting over the space between singing and speaking. "Never Again" shines with bright steel pedal and honky tonk plucking from Sean Dean, on the upright bass. For once I agree with their ascribed label "Cosmic Cowboy," as the Sadies fly weightlessly between genres without the burden of gravity or hiccups often interrupting the seams of other crossover acts.

Judging by the reviews of live shows, I would say it's a safe bet to check these guys out when they roll up and down the West Coast and Canada in September and October.