Houndmouth - “Golden Age”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 9; Popularity Index: 10

Pairs Well With…Stop Light Observations, Jim James, Wilco

Before the 2013 SXSW, as a big fan of The Band, I couldn’t wait to hear Houndmouth play their throwback song “Penitentiary.”  But then my plane was delayed *eight hours* and I missed their set.  So, I was very excited to learn Houndmouth was coming back and I grabbed OEB reviewing rights.  Alas, I now know I probably still won’t hear “Penitentiary,” because with the departure of keyboardist Kate Toupin, the band has mostly left behind its roots in Americana and blues-tinged pop to experiments with digital sonics in a big way.  Their new release, “Golden Age” employs layers of synths, both to lead the melody and for exploration.  Moreover, guitars and vocals employ distortion and feedback to achieve an overall haze and texture.  It’s as modern as their first album was throwback, but these songs are still catchy and with compelling elements worth a repeated listening.  Most of the tracks on the record hew to these themes: “Never Forget” has more spaced-out electronics and vocals, “Golden Age” is a stronger but still hazy pop anthem with a subtle dance beat and an earworm chorus.  Acoustic guitars, violin and impassioned vocals provide the basis of “Modern Love,” a simpler song that is almost a ballad.  I am eager to check out the new Houndmouth and I promise not to be that fan who shouts out a request for an old song.  (David Zlotnick)

2015 Review: Houndmouth reminds us why they are a continual OEB favorite with new songs “For No One” and “Sedona”, also the title of the band’s upcoming sophomore record. “For No One” begins as a minimal acoustic plea, but transcends throughout off the combined power of Matt Myers’ naturally rich vocals and emotional acoustic strums, while “Sedona” builds to an unexpected, epic boil - set closer material all the way. What was once just really great alt country is now something more, pouring in classic rock and indie pop influences to embolden their growingly recognizable sound.

2013 Review: Houndmouth have only been gigging for about a year, which is a surprise considering their mature, alt country sound. The band masterfully employs two singer-songwriters, playing Matt Myers’ gritty croon against Katie Toupin’s smoky, country-tinged vocal. Though there is only a four-track EP to go by at this point, Houndmouth bleeds some strong potential to breakout at SXSW. This all comes down to their impressive musicianship, dipping into slow country rock grooves with the upmost grace. Lastly, Houndmouth is a storytelling band.