Houndmouth

Little Neon Limelight (Rough Trade)

Hollering and stomping in full harmonies, Houndmouth’s sophomore effort proves the New Albany, Ind., quartet has progressed well beyond most of the new Americana rock and pop pack. Synthesizing the best elements of Dawes’ Laurel Canyon rock, Alabama Shakes’ soulful swagger, and even the sing-along exuberance of bands like the Lumineers, Houndmouth ranges far stylistically between its four singers and songwriters. Katie Toupin’s twang burns on “Gasoline,” while “15 Years” howls rockabilly, and “Honey Slider” drips Southern soul, but the slow nasally weariness of “For No One” stands out as the album’s best, pulling on the Felice Brothers’ smart and imagistic balladry. Lead-off tracks “Sedona” and roaring-chorus “Otis” set the eclectic tone, and “My Cousin Greg” bounces with Dr. Dog’s raucousness. “Say It” paces a bit ahead of itself, and drops awkwardly into swaying closer “Darlin’,” but Houndmouth pulls it all together into a packed album without faltering. (Fri., 11pm, Gatsby)

***.5

This article appears in March 20 • 2015.

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