Houndmouth

[e_wind]

Honestly, the "gimmick" is tiresome to me. They're singing like they're Guthrie... over-worked lower class americans, casinos, cigarettes, drugs, johnny-law, etc. They're giving this "cool redneck" persona off in all their lyrics, when the truth is that theyre just some nerds from southern indiana (thats louisville's armpit). they dont have experience in any of the things they sing about, and it makes it entirely unrelatable to me. I like the music fine, and I think I will get over this, but I can't see them making major headway in the future if they make more music past this with the same shit. I realized it in the EP, and am shocked that they continued with it for 8 more songs or whatever

That's some harsh words for where people come from huh?  For sake of argument, most song writers don't write all their songs about personal experiences and the 60's folk troubadours were no different.  They were story tellers first and foremost.  The nature of Houndmouth's lyrics fit more with their sound than singing about ipads, sexting, and loss of privacy.

Now if only Katie would get herself a proper meal

a

The southern Indiana thing wasn't supposed to be part of the argument. If they were from Louisvillle and I said they were from louisville it wouldn't change anything.

And yes, she needs some meat on those bones. Such a babe either way though.

[Penny Lane]

Honestly, the "gimmick" is tiresome to me. They're singing like they're Guthrie... over-worked lower class americans, casinos, cigarettes, drugs, johnny-law, etc. They're giving this "cool redneck" persona off in all their lyrics, when the truth is that theyre just some nerds from southern indiana (thats louisville's armpit). they dont have experience in any of the things they sing about, and it makes it entirely unrelatable to me. I like the music fine, and I think I will get over this, but I can't see them making major headway in the future if they make more music past this with the same shit. I realized it in the EP, and am shocked that they continued with it for 8 more songs or whatever

That's some harsh words for where people come from huh?  For sake of argument, most song writers don't write all their songs about personal experiences and the 60's folk troubadours were no different.  They were story tellers first and foremost.  The nature of Houndmouth's lyrics fit more with their sound than singing about ipads, sexting, and loss of privacy.

Now if only Katie would get herself a proper meal

a

The southern Indiana thing wasn't supposed to be part of the argument. If they were from Louisvillle and I said they were from louisville it wouldn't change anything.

And yes, she needs some meat on those bones. Such a babe either way though.

i know nothing about Houndmouth and i like their music but overall i'm kinda with eric on this one on the 'movement' in general..not because they need to have lived what they sing about but it's some sort of fashion/music trend that's caught on..everyone in brooklyn dresses like they're from the steampunk or the dustbowl era. i thought it was a new england thing, but it's rampant now..it's easier for me to listen to Joe Fletcher or Todd Snider, who I know actually loved and were influenced by old country/folk artists rather than hear bands like the lumineers sing this type of music..

mumford & sons---at least they came out and said, we were university kids who heard 'oh brother where art thou' and were inspired--i like the honesty (not the music so much)..and yeah, even though Bob D basically ripped off Woody Guthrie, he also lived through the 60s and was singing about what he saw around him using woody's style)

i'm just an old lady who's against whatever's 'hip' i guess..

[Fully]

I suppose I like them because they sound like old country to me, and I really like the way their voices sound together. I agree with you Penny that this movement is starting to become tiresome-particularly with all the poseurs who dress like they are straight out of Grapes of Wrath. But I'll also compare it to the hair metal movement and say this folk acoustic rock or whatever it's called is at least musically interesting and not as ridiculous as that era was. Although I'm pretty sure in years to come people will look back and wonder why so many guys were going around dressed like their great grandfathers.

[e_wind]

Don't get me wrong, I like the music. I will continue to listen to them and I'm happy to be seeing them soon. The lyricql content is just weak.

I don't listen to Mumford or any of those bands outside the Avetts. They're lyrics are more long-song-ish than woodie Guthrie-ish, though.

[iLikeBeer]

Honestly, the "gimmick" is tiresome to me. They're singing like they're Guthrie... over-worked lower class americans, casinos, cigarettes, drugs, johnny-law, etc. They're giving this "cool redneck" persona off in all their lyrics, when the truth is that theyre just some nerds from southern indiana (thats louisville's armpit). they dont have experience in any of the things they sing about, and it makes it entirely unrelatable to me. I like the music fine, and I think I will get over this, but I can't see them making major headway in the future if they make more music past this with the same shit. I realized it in the EP, and am shocked that they continued with it for 8 more songs or whatever

What exactly soured you on this band eric?  Just last October you were saying how you can't get over how great this band is and now you seem pretty critical.  What happened between now and then to change your opinion so drastically?

[e_wind]

This record or, er... Nothing? I don't know how to answer this because I do legitimately like the band . My love for the EP was only heightened by the few live shows I saw in the last few months. I'm just turned off by the fact that the whole album is totally un-relatable, lyrically-wise. What I love in an artist more than anything is a talented, expressed song-writer (ie tweedy, Jim, Eddie V, Ben Nichols, etc).

To me, the lyrical content that seemed fun in the EP is just tiresome in a full album. I've only listened 1.5 times, and I totally get why it's just as good as the EP, but it's just one complaint I have. It's not gonna turn me off the band. If they do it again in a year, then maybe it will turn me off the band

[EverythingChanges]

So all in all I like the new album.  Perfect for driving in the spring.  I do concur with Fully that it sounds overproduced and at times sounds way too bubble gum and sunshine for me.  I'm a huge fan of Matt Myers' songs so Illinois and Ludlow are two of my new faves.  Like everything changes mentioned before, wearing out the EP took away some luster from the listening experience.  Plus I love the Big Oil Spill and its a shame they cut it.

Looking forward to seeing them next weekend.

Weren't you the one giving me heck about not wanting to pick up the EP so I could avoid that exact scenario you just mentioned from panning out?   

It's all good though! Waiting for the album release, since I'm to afraid to download it.  I'm  not looking to grab any unwanted viruses.

I was giving you crap about not supporting a band when it's most important for them.  What's the fun of paying for a new Pink Floyd album when you can shuffle a couple of bucks and support in the direction of a band in their infant stages.

I get what you're saying, but my whole reasoning behind it was to avoid that 'burnt out' feeling.  I want to be able to enjoy their debut to its fullest.  I'm more likely to stick with an album and a band if I can really enjoy that album as a whole.  I'm not looking to skip over 3 or 4 songs that I have already heard too much to listen to the others.  I want a full musical experience.  Like you have pointed out, you weren't able to do just that since you had already listened to the EP too much.  I didn't want that to happen to me, which I'm sure it will anyways, since I have already purchased their EP and listened to it on repeat.  I don't mind supporting a band, matter of fact I have never illegally downloaded a song in my life.  Also, I haven't bought an album from a successful band like Pink Floyd in a long time, I inherited most of that music from my family.  I can barely afford to pay for rent, college, and everything else atm, but I still manage to buy music from the new bands I actually care about on a monthly basis.  I even go to their shows and buy their merchandise, etc. Strange, I know! 

Simply put, if an album fully draws me in, I'll be obsessed with that band, and thus, I will be more likely to continue purchasing their material/tickets/merchandise.

[EverythingChanges]

I see e_wind's point.  To me, there are two different types of music that I listen to.  The first is something that is deep and that lyrically or musically means something to either me or the band (i.e. MMJ, Floyd, Wilco, Explosions, Bob Dylan, Arcade Fire, Rush, Radiohead, etc. etc.).  Then there is music that I enjoy listening to for the 'catchiness' of it, even if it is simple and lacks relevant lyrical or musical depth (i.e. Dr. Dog, Black Keys, Houndmouth, AC/DC, Alabama Shakes, etc. etc.).

I will always enjoy the bands of the latter, but the bands of the former will always be the bands that truly matter to me. 

[MrWhippy]

I finally heard this band thanks to Scosby on our drive back to his place after the MMJ Atlanta show this weekend, and I'm hooked.  Can't wait to see them at Newport.

[mahg33ta]

seems like everyone is listening to this but me...   

[Fully]

We are. Whippy neglected to mention that Scosby was hogging my battrey life by doing that. We had to ride in silence after scosby passed out. I was not going to dig around in his pockets to find his phone. There are some things friends should never do.

[Murph]

Seeing Houndmouth tonight at Mercury Lounge and im pretty goddamn excited about it.  I love this album, cant see it not being a top 10 of the year for me, and I love Mercury Lounge even more (dont love the 11pm start time, people got work in the AM!).  A nice, small venue and I always get to talk for at least a few minutes with whichever group im there seeing.  Definitely gonna try to get some face time with this girl in the band, see if i cant flutter these baby blues of mine and charm her pants off.  A guy can dream right?

[LBSUNFLWR]

Ha! Good Luck! 

Seeing them in Louisville at Iroquois Amphitheater in 2-3 weeks. pretty excited!

[headhunter]

Hey Murph, how was the show?  I wanted to go but too late for me especially since I was out the night before.

I was at the mercury Lounge the night before to see Band of Heathens (who were great and thankfully had an 8:00 start time) and have always loved that venue.

I doubt Houndmouth will ever play a place that small in nyc again.  Guessing next time will be Bowery Ballroom.

[Penny Lane]

Hey Murph, how was the show?  I wanted to go but too late for me especially since I was out the night before.

I was at the mercury Lounge the night before to see Band of Heathens (who were great and thankfully had an 8:00 start time) and have always loved that venue.

I doubt Houndmouth will ever play a place that small in nyc again.  Guessing next time will be Bowery Ballroom.

i wanted to hit both these shows but couldn't...love the Mercury Lounge as well..

[Ruckus]

Seeing Houndmouth tonight at Mercury Lounge and im pretty goddamn excited about it.  I love this album, cant see it not being a top 10 of the year for me, and I love Mercury Lounge even more (dont love the 11pm start time, people got work in the AM!).  A nice, small venue and I always get to talk for at least a few minutes with whichever group im there seeing.  Definitely gonna try to get some face time with this girl in the band, see if i cant flutter these baby blues of mine and charm her pants off.  A guy can dream right?

Looking forward to your review as well man.  I see 'em at a free show at Hopkins on Saturday outdoors with $3 craft beers.  Can't beat that.  I hope your baby blues did the trick

[Fully]

Seeing Houndmouth tonight at Mercury Lounge and im pretty goddamn excited about it.  I love this album, cant see it not being a top 10 of the year for me, and I love Mercury Lounge even more (dont love the 11pm start time, people got work in the AM!).  A nice, small venue and I always get to talk for at least a few minutes with whichever group im there seeing.  Definitely gonna try to get some face time with this girl in the band, see if i cant flutter these baby blues of mine and charm her pants off.  A guy can dream right?

Looking forward to your review as well man.  I see 'em at a free show at Hopkins on Saturday outdoors with $3 craft beers.  Can't beat that.  I hope your baby blues did the trick

Maybe that's why we haven't heard from him. He's still busy pitching woo (or a tent).

[Murph]

I had high hopes going in and the show was even better than I could have expected.  They are really super tight and just pitch perfect.  They played every song off the album, a new song, and a great cover of I Shall Be Released (not in any particular order).  All four members sang lead on at least one song and for I Shall Be Released, where they all took turns singing a verse, they all switched instruments as well which is just cool to see.  My only minor complaint, and I feel this way about the album also, is that some songs just end abruptly.  They'll be jamming, jamming, jamming and than bam, they stop.  Definitely leaves something to be desired, but maybe they'll flesh these songs out a bit more as they play more shows, or maybe im just being picky.  I did get to talk to the girl (Katie i think?) at the bar for a few minutes before the show.  She was saying how overwhelmed they were that the place was packed and people actually came for them.  During the show one of em said that their previous show was somewhere in W. Virginia in front of about forty people all over the age of 70, so they all seemed pretty excited to be playing in NYC in front of 200+ people.  So overall, great show and I cant wait to see them again.

[LBSUNFLWR]

Nice! Good for them. Looking forward to the show here, should be a good one being close to home for them!

[LBSUNFLWR]

I posted this same thing in the upcoming shows thread:

Houndmouth was excellent last night!!

This was pretty much a hometown show for them and the official opening of Iroquois Amphitheater for the season. They had a very nice crowd there. We caught the last song or 2 of the first opener and then Joe Pug. He was nice. Nothing that will change your life, and I doubt I'll seek out more but he has a nice voice and played acoustic guitar and harmonica. Had a guy with him on a stand-up bass and another guitar player. We got there early enough that in a seated GA venue there were still plenty of seats up close, so we got 2 in the middle section, 3rd row!! Houndmouth came out and sang on Joe Pug's last song too.

Then at 10 they came on. Crowd went crazy for them. I think a lot of their friends and family were there but they were amazed at how excited the crowd was for them. It was really cool to see them sincerely surprised and so happy at the turnout they got. They also mentioned that Execs from their record label were there and they think they picked the right show for them to come to. ;)

They played every song on the album, plus 2 I didn't know. They said one was new, and I think the other didn't make the album or something. The guitar player sang 75% of the songs and his voice is so awesome and unique and just sounded perfect live. They all sing harmony on all songs pretty much and they do it so well!! The bass player sang 3-4 songs and I absolutely love his voice as well. the drummer sang one song, and the girl keyboard player (sorry I don't know their names) sang 2-3 songs too, to the biggest reaction by the crowd. She also has a very unique voice and sounded perfect live!!

While on one end I love seeing bands that improvise and extend their songs, there's also something very appealing about a band who plays songs as they sound on the album sometimes. These guys are new and fairly unknown and it's nice to know they aren't all polished on cd and can really sing like that live!!

The highlight of the night for me was when they all four got up and went to a different instrument: drummer played guitar, guitar player played drums, keyboard went to bass and bass player went to keyboard. And then they said at practice they do this song, and one day while they were on tour recently, opening for Grace Potter, they were doing this song at practice and she said how incredible it sounded and they should play it that night! So they did, and said they've been playing it every night since...and then they started "I Shall Be Released"  and they absolutely killed it!! Crowd was going crazy! I think they should have saved it for last honestly because it was hard to get back into their songs after that. Either last of the set before encore, or last song of the night and leave people with that!

Overall, best $12 I've spent in a while!! Probably since seeing Phosphorescent for $12 :) or Father John Misty for $12!!! To me one of the biggest perks I've found since moving from the East Coast to Louisville: shows under $20! And great ones!!!

Oh and before they left they also announced that they have been added to Forecastle this summer!!  I know they are on some other festivals too and they are NOT TO BE MISSED!! Great show!!