When Houndmouth made its ACL Fest debut in 2013, they slotted in on the BMI stage to a smattering of curious fans. The Indiana quartet’s return to Zilker Park on Saturday upgraded to the Austin Ventures stage. A considerably more sizable and fervent crowd accompanied the uptick.
Behind this year’s excellent Little Neon Limelight LP, the band also harnessed its diverse talents into a more cohesive sound. Now, each of the four members contributes lead vocals and songwriting to the full harmony support. The mix provided a dynamic set, even if the alternating song selection between upbeat stomps and provocative ballads kept the energy from reaching full tilt.
Guitarist Matt Myers opened on vocals with “Black Gold” and “Comin’ Around Again,” his easy, weathered voice and rough narratives echoing the Felice Brothers. Bassist Zak Appleby finally unleashed the band on the rockabilly romp of “15 Years.” The dripping Southern soul of “Honey Slider” and Katie Toupin-led “Houston Train” continued to showcase the versatility, as did Toupin’s move from behind the organ to center stage guitar on the slow burning “Gasoline.” Mid-set crescendo “Sedona” provided the biggest response.
The funky lope of “My Cousin Greg” hearkened the Band, with each member taking lead on a verse, before they oddly chose to close with a cover of Dion’s “Runaround Sue.” As their sophomore disc suggests, Houndmouth has emerged from the Americana heap with a smart, expansive sound that they’re equally capable of translating into a powerful live show.
This article appears in October 2 • 2015.
