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Biography: This is a story of some friends, a little luck, and good music. Houndmouth began as a coming together of four friends at the right time and the right place. All of the band members were from in and around New Albany, Indiana. The individuals had known each other from separate projects and circumstances over the years. Shane and Matt jammed together on occasion, Matt and Katie had done some acoustic work etc. Then came the fateful night in 2011 when the group all met together in a rickety rehearsal space to hash out some tunes. They weren't there to change the world. They weren't there to reinvent genres. They were there to play good music with their friends. A simple and humble start. Something clicked among all four there that night, and the Houndmouth sound was born. A dimly sharp, plucky guitar. A tight tempo held by a bright sounding drum set. An easy going, anything goes bass line. And some killer vocals with some southern flare. Through hard work and practice (the beginning to any great success story), the group built up a little wave in the underground country/folk scene and quickly set out to release material. The first record they ever put out was a small little homemade, self titled EP. No polish, no shine. Totally DIY. It was only four songs long but a great sample of their sound and a good introduction to the band for new listeners. This EP was followed by a quick turnaround into the "Get our sound to as many people as freaking possible" tour. That may not be the actual name but you get the idea. The band was getting comfortable but needed their big break so to speak so "on the road" they went (foreshadowing!). Then came the big one. South By Southwest 2012. Houndmouth played a killer set at the fest to one of the larger crowds they had seen up to that point in their short career. The performance went over so well that big ole' Rough Trade Records came a'knockin and off the four went to record their first full-length LP. The group worked harder. The hours got longer. The shows got bigger. The sound got better. And then all of a sudden it was 2013 and out came "From the Hills Below the City". The album was well received in the alt country community and the fan base (while still decently small) began to gain momentum. With tracks like "On the Road", "Casino", and "Penitentiary" the real southern influence of the band was able to shine through like sunshine. The summer of 2013 was met with gigs all over from Newport to Lollapolooza to good ole Roo herself (granted it was on Thursday and they got crammed into The Miller Lite tent but HEY they were there). Nothing really kept the fan base moving more than the shows and from what I've read (I only got to watch them for a few minutes at Roo) they've been able to deliver every time and bring their A game to the stage no matter what the size. With a new album on the way (March 17th) and another summer of festivals and touring booked up, Houndmouth has reached a new high in the career. In hindsight, it was a quick rise and a sudden change for all four individuals but none regret it and love every second of playing together on stage.
Major Discography:
Houndmouth - EP (2012)
From the Hills Below the City (2013)
Little Neon Limelight - Out March 17th (2015)
Sounds Like
Genre: Southern Rock, Folk Rock, Southern Soul, Alt Country
Similar Artists: Desert Noises, The Avett Brothers, First Aid Kit, Mount Moriah, Middle Brother, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Fleetwood Mac (that is to say at least on "Rumors") Similar Bonnaroo Artists: Alabama Shakes, Dawes, Shakey Graves
Suggested Listening
Very limited since they only have one full album out. Some live bits. Also some singles from the new one coming out included here as well.
Live Show/Personal Notes
The only experience I have with Houndmouth live (as mentioned earlier) is watching them passively on my way to Walk the Moon at Bonnaroo 2013. I didn't even know who they were when I was watching them. Something about their sound stuck with me though. In fact if it gives any indication with how great they are, it stayed in my head for several months. They just have this incredible gritty and rootsy sound. Amazing how they replicate such a distinct southern feel and they're from Indiana! When I heard them again some time later on Spotify, I actually remembered seeing them and looked them up immediately! Will I be at the entire show this year? You bet your granny's aunt fanny I will! (Thursday sundown hopefully )
Last Edit: Mar 9, 2015 22:06:06 GMT -5 by Deleted - Back to Top
I'm really excited to see them at Bonnaroo. I missed them when they were there last time, but this year will be my third time seeing them. How so many people in the crowd seem to know every single word to their songs (as I do) continues to baffle and excite the shit outta me. That'll be one of the most satisfying shows for me that weekend.
edit. Oh and yeah, their new album is heaps of fun. I thought their sophomore was gonna be more pop-radio-friendly, but it still occupies that Houndmouth sweet-spot for me.
Post by umphlovecincy on Mar 13, 2015 19:26:04 GMT -5
Funny story concerning Houndmouth. I'm at this bar in new Albany where my now ex lived at the time. She see some dude she used to know in high school so she goes and talks him for a minute, meanwhile I'm just chillin at the bar. I look over and I think to myself "damn that looks like the lead singer of Houndmouth." So she comes back over and tells me his name and how she knew him and I'm like he looks like the dude from Houndmouth. Turns out it Was the lead singer ( matt?). She had been friends with him in high school. Ended up seeing the whole band chilling at the same bar at a later date. All of em were really nice and cool. End story lol
Post by mrpotatotrooper on Mar 13, 2015 22:24:37 GMT -5
I (very drunkenly) bought the drummer, bass player, and roadie tequila shots at Deer Tick's Newport Folk Fest after show last year. The hangover was worth the (hazy) memory!
Oh and yeah, their new album is heaps of fun. I thought their sophomore was gonna be more pop-radio-friendly, but it still occupies that Houndmouth sweet-spot for me.
That was a concern. A lot of bands struggle with the sophomore record. For me, you either get too removed from the original/too obtuse (Alt J, Bombay Bicycle Club) or it's just more of the same but somehow lesser, basically a snooze fest (Mumford and Sons, Naked and Famous, Death Cab [granted I think Death Cab got better after their second album] etc.) This is really seeming to hit the mark dead center. It's still a sound I easily associate with their pre set image, but the sound is still doing new things. It's evolving like any band's music should. Maybe there's a little more Southern bite on this new one like I'm hearing in "Black Gold" and "Honey Slider" some grooving soul packed in on "15 Years". "Sedona" is just freaking catchy too, so that helps. There are things to explore! That's the biggy for me!
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