Houndmouth - Little Neon Limelight

Houndmouth
Little Neon Limelight
2015

From a first listen to Houndmouth's new album Little Neon Limelight I thought I was in for another hipster band just doing their hipster thing. Oh how wrong I was. Houndmouth are an exciting take on southern rock, something completely new from Lynyrd or The Allman Borthers but never forgetting where that music comes from or what it means. The rock elements are always there, the writing is soulful and deep but most of all the vocals are spot on. There is a sense of history in the recording of this record, paying homage to the past but it does not feel intentionally dated. Houndmouth are at their best when their two vocalists (Matt Meyer and Katie Toupin) sing together. Their voices work so well together that the harmonies give you those super special chills.

There are a couple elements on the album such as including some in studio banter at the end of songs which I'm not a huge fan of. I think they are looking to make the album seem like a live studio session, but it is more distracting than anything and takes away from already really well done music. Through some research I've found they are defined as alternative country, but I really would put that behind their clear southern rock roots. Maybe they are one in the same. When they rock out or when they slow it down Houndmouth are a great band and this is a really exciting album. Do yourself a favor and check it out.