Sacramento-based Rick Estrin and the Nightcats have plenty of swagger, there's no doubt. Frontman Estrin has a Delta authenticity to his voice and the band has traditional blues down in all its forms.

But "Twisted's" reliance on tradition occasionally works to its detriment. There isn't a whole lot to distinguish its plucky big-city blues from the myriad other like-minded bands out there, save for some excellent harmonica work.

The engine of most blues bands is their guitar player, and while Kid Anderson has chops on exhibit at times ("Catchin' Hell," "Bigfoot"), opportunities to lift the group into an electric frenzy are also left hanging with some otherwise-tasty grooves ("U B U," "Earthquake").

Which is not to say "Twisted" isn't an enjoyable album. "Someone, Somewhere" dives deep into the Delta with an acoustic ballad, and Estrin raves things up in the hilarious "I'm Takin' Out My In-Laws."

The showmanship inherent in blues means most of the songs probably play better live, but it's still a fine romp through the form.

Hear samples from "Twisted" and download "U B U" for free at Amazon.com.

Sussex Countian