The Oklahoman
April 9th, 2004

Close, but no guitar, is one way to describe the organ-driven sound of Sugar Free Allstars on its sophomore album effort, “Dos Machos!”-which the Norman-based duo is celebrating with back-to-back CD-release parties tonight at Galileo on the Paseo and Saturday at Belle Isle Brew Pub, 50 Penn Place. With the exception of the spooky soul-shuffler, “The Way That It Goes,” and the steamy, jazz-inflected “My Key,” which feature some brief riffage from recently –departed guitarist Mike Satawake, that’s lead vocalist Chris Wiser covering most of the instrumental bases on tunes such as the self-ribbing rocker “Cover Band Boyfriend” and the hilarious rhythm and blues-smoked philosophy of “Buddhist in a Beemer.” New drummer Rob “Dr Rock” Martin lays down the solid percussive foundation for Wiser to build on with Hammond B3 organ, organ bass, Wurlitzer electric piano, alto sax, Honer D6 clavinet, clarinet, various synthesizers and probably some parts from the kitchen sink. Think in the shades of Deep Purple’s Jon Lord and “Green Onions”-era Booker T., and you’ll get some idea of the sound. Or, catch the Allstars shining live, this weekend.

-Gene Triplett