John Moreland "High on Tulsa Heat" 2023-05-05 trite hip-hop beats or other

trite hip-hop beats or other sonic concessions

Boldly self-titled some 20-odd years into Sparta’s career

turning out songs equally rooted in frenetic energy and lifelike detail

through Columbia Records

John Moreland "High on Tulsa Heat" 2023-05-05 trite hip-hop beats or otherStripped down arrangements rooted in gritty rock and roll punctuate and cushion Moreland's compositions. Tracks including "Hang Me in the Tulsa County Stars," "Heart's Too Heavy," and "Cleveland County Blues" set the tone, trafficking in relentless honesty and folk. Buoyant lament "Sad Baptist Rain" tackles internal conflict. If "Sad Baptist Rain" is about self acceptance, "White Flag" warns of self destruction. "American Flags in Black and White,"