The fresh and exciting alternative folk/rock band, Houndmouth had their work cut out for them after releasing their sensational debut album From the Hills Below the City in 2013. Anyone familiar with the band is well aware of how strong an album it was, and how difficult a task it would be to top such an accomplishment. Nevertheless, Matt Myers (guitar, vocals), Katie Toupin (keyboard, vocals), Zak Appleby (bass, vocals), and Shane Cody (drums, vocals) stepped up to the plate and delivered with their brilliant follow-up album, Little Neon Limelight.
Formed in New Albany, Indiana, Houndmouth is the perfect example of musical camaraderie. Their family-like chemistry has been consistent throughout both of their highly-ambitious albums from Rough Trade Records. Little Neon Limelight continues to demonstrate the band’s artistic prowess and shows no sign of slowing down for this band on the rise.
The smooth and memorable opener “Sedona” starts off with the soft sound of whistling winds. Its gorgeous harmonies and swelling melody set the stage and brings us welcomingly into the catchy second track, “Otis.” This warm, country/rock song, predominantly sung by keyboardist, Katie Toupin, has a chorus that instantly gets tattooed in your brain. Toupin takes the lead vocal on the slower and more intimate track, “Gasoline,” as well. The band is proficient in showing off all the elements that make up Houndmouth, and what each member brings to the table.
On “15 Years,” the band shows off their Rock n’ Roll side with this ferocious tune, reminiscent of Lennon/McCartney’s classic, “I’m Down.” The lyrics on the following track, “For No One,” channel the attitude of a young Bob Dylan. “I sing a song for you, but I sing for no one,” says Myers on this passionate acoustic song spilling with raw emotion.
Little Neon Limelight has it all. From the blues rock sound of “By God” and the soulful “Honey Slider,” to the bright and lovable moods of “Black Gold” and “My Cousin Greg.” Houndmouth has enormous depth and plenty of tricks up their sleeves. The album ends with the slow and bluesy, “Darlin’.” It’s a powerful ending to a powerful record. Houndmouth’s sound is refreshing, inspired and sincere, as if a mid-sixties Bob Dylan got together with the Jim Kweskin Jug Band. Their sound is fresh, diverse and most definitely something that should not be ignored. You’ll find yourself singing along on the first listen.
By Joseph Conlon