The Blackhounds – January 28, 2012
| Stan Says: | Jodi Says: | |
| We’ve seen these guys before. I admitted that I initially had not been able to pay too much attention to them and yet was brought in by the guitars. Hey, it’s something that happens and to me it’s something that happens often where I’m brought in by the guitars. They’ll do it to me every time. There’s a lot to be brought in by The Blackhounds beyond their guitars. First thing I noticed that I only briefly touched upon before is that they have some very nice vocal harmonies that approach a country feel very much like the early work of the Eagles. The Blackhounds could easily sound very much like an Eagles cover band and even though they approach that signature sound, they’re also their own band with a unique sound all their own. Next thing I noted were the cool effects on the lead guitar solos. And though I hate to keep saying that the drumming is creative, this also applies here. Drums are more than just the metronome of the band, there’s a way that the musician can express himself greatly from behind the trap kit and The Blackhounds have that down. Their original material is very good. This is one tight band, well rehearsed and they know their material. Each time we’ve seen them their song list is rather extensive. Their covers are always well chosen and always performed to perfection, where you hear the original, yet know it’s The Blackhounds performing the song. I tend to compare bands to national and international acts whose work I already know. At my first exposure to the band I heard a strong Bruce Springsteen influence, furthered by their cover of “Prove It All Night”. This time around I hear a more varied sound. Already having compared them to the early work of the Eagles, I also hear an electric version of the band America, some Fleetwood Mac thrown in and top it off with the Byrds. That last comparison was further emphasized by their performance of “Long Cool Woman”, which really brought out a harder edge to the song that I greatly appreciate. The Blackhounds do have a great sound and I’ll always be happy if I’m around when they’re playing. They do have an EP-CD available and it’s a good representation of their music, yet not even close to how good they are live. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the recording, though this is truly a band to see live. |
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This is an update to a prior review, be sure to check out my initial thoughts on this band! The BlackHounds consist of Andy Wood; singer, songwriter, guitarist, Mike Jones; singer, songwriter, guitarist, Greg Lilley; drummer, harmony vocalist and Mike Scarlata: bass, harmony vocalist. The first time I heard this band I thought they mixed up quite a few different genres of sound such as southern rock, country, and a bit of rockabilly thrown in, though now I have to say that their own term “rock and roll” does seem to fit them well. This time we saw them at the Comet Grill. They are a fun band to watch and listen to, as they have a lot of fun guitar work and good harmonies. Musically, I enjoyed “Fulcrum”, “Jaded” and “Nobody Knows” the most, though they have several songs that I really like but I didn’t get song titles for all them. What is really nice about the BlackHounds is that they really are good musicians, but they don’t flaunt it at the crowd with really long solos for any one band member. I’m also impressed that they don’t have multitudes of songs that sound the same and they do have a fairly in depth catalog, though it seems only a few have been recorded. As an example, “Fulcrum” has a great beat, but with a laid back approach to the guitar and bass work in the song so that the vocals are really clean. The next song title I mention, “Jaded” has a very catchy sound to it and the song tells a story, which is always a good thing. “Nobody Knows” actually reminds me a little bit of Nickleback but in a good way, with just the right amount of guitar twang to think for a second you might be listening to a southern rock band. All in all, they have a great time on stage, they sound good, and have quite the repertoire to entertain nearly anyone. Whether at the Double Door, Comet Grill or any other place these guys show up, I’d recommend catching them if you enjoy rock music. |
