Formed in Seattle in the late 1980s, Sweet Water emerged from the city’s punk-metal underground with a fire that would soon catch the attention of the region’s rising alternative scene. Initially known as SGM, the band transformed in both name and sound by the early ’90s, drawing influence from grunge, hard rock, new wave, and power pop. The core lineup includes vocalist Adam Czeisler, guitarist Rich Credo, bassist Cole Peterson, and drummer Chris Friel.
What sets Sweet Water apart, beyond their musical versatility, is the depth of their relationships. Czeisler, Credo, and Peterson all attended school together from elementary through high school. Friel and Peterson have been close since childhood. That foundation of real friendship drives the band’s cohesion and creative longevity.
In their early years, Sweet Water performed alongside foundational Seattle acts like Nirvana and Soundgarden. Their live shows buzzed with raw energy, and the band quickly developed a reputation for pushing boundaries while still staying rooted in rock’s classic structures.
From the Majors to the Margins and Back Again
Their self-titled debut dropped in 1992 under Atlantic Records, a punchy, emotionally charged collection that turned heads. Their 1995 follow-up, Superfriends, was produced by Dave Jerden, known for his work with Alice in Chains and Jane’s Addiction. Jerden described their sound as “Mott the Hoople meets the ’90s,” a nod to both their glam-infused swagger and modern crunch.
Despite major-label buzz and tours with heavy-hitters like Candlebox and Alice in Chains, Sweet Water remained something of a cult favorite. The late ’90s saw them navigating label shifts and creative changes. They briefly released music under a different name before taking a long hiatus following their 1999 album Suicide.
Revival and the Road to Shine On
After reuniting in 2007, the band kicked off a powerful second act. 2009’s Clear the Tarmac, released on Rich Credo’s own Golden City Records, reintroduced Sweet Water with a more layered, mature sound. From there, they continued to evolve, releasing the Dance Floor Kills EP in 2013 and Firebird in 2018, and performing both club shows and special events, including a symphonic collaboration at Seattle’s Benaroya Hall.
Recent years have seen Sweet Water returning to the studio with new intent. Singles like “Kids” and “State of Grace” hinted at a band that wasn’t content to rehash old tricks. They were gearing up for something bigger.
Shine On: An Artistic Leap
Set to release September 18 on Golden City Records, Shine On is Sweet Water’s seventh full-length album and their ninth release overall. More than a continuation of past work, this record represents a turning point—a project defined by bold risk-taking, fresh creative methods, and a deeper level of collaboration.
“We wanted to be way more ambitious,” says frontman Adam Czeisler. “We told ourselves we wouldn’t settle; we would keep trying different approaches with each song and not stop until we felt it was leaping off the track into our brains.”
The album’s production was shaped by that mindset. Rather than sticking to familiar formulas, the band experimented with layering, arrangement, and mood. Mixing engineer Phil Ek, known for his work with artists like Fleet Foxes and Built to Spill, offered guidance that stuck: “Sometimes more is more.” That encouragement helped shape a record that sounds full, vibrant, and sonically fearless.
Built to Last, Built to Evolve
The band’s creative drive comes not just from ambition, but from the durability of their friendship. As guitarist Rich Credo puts it, “We love making music—and love the challenge to make art that reflects who we are and where we are.” That sentiment echoes through every track on Shine On, which balances heart and muscle in equal measure.
Now, to be perfectly honest, this isn’t really my go-to kind of music. But I have a soft spot for bands that continue to grow and experiment decades into their careers. That kind of persistence—and willingness to evolve—is admirable, even when their group shots edge toward the “tough guy pursed-lips” vibe that’s maybe trying a little too hard to look chiseled. Still, image aside, the music stands as a clear reminder that Sweet Water is still putting in the work.
What to Expect from Shine On
This is not a nostalgia act. Shine On feels current and vital. It’s the sound of a band that knows its roots but isn’t stuck in them. The songs embrace both sonic density and emotional openness. It’s modern rock made by people who’ve lived long enough to know exactly what they want to say—and how to say it with power.
When Shine On drops this September, it will mark a fresh chapter in the Sweet Water story. And it might just be their most exciting one yet.
