Philadelphia-based Hoots & Hellmouth (MAD Dragon Records/Ryko/WEA) embodies a feisty, independent spirit churning out new music for old souls. Their shows are like traveling tent revivals; their audiences are like congregations. And while the emphasis has always been on the live experience, H&H’s eponymous debut studio album (April 2007) is shaping up to be one hell of an adventure. Produced in collaboration with fellow Philadelphian Brian McTear (Capitol Years, Matt Pond PA, Bigger Lovers) at his Miner Street/Cycle Sound Studio, the album gives powerful evidence that the band has concocted a musical blend of roots/revival sensibility with a healthy dose of rock n’ roll energy that is all their own. Starting with the core instrumentation of two guitars (Hoots and Hellmouth), mandolin (Rob Berliner), upright bass (Tim Celfo), three-part harmony vocals and foot stomps, the band worked in conjunction with McTear to flesh out each song, adding drums, organ, additional voices and the occasional accordion flourish. From the gospel fury of the opening track, "Want On Nothing," to the subtle understated beauty of "Backwoods Don't Lie," Hoots & Hellmouth's self-titled debut presents a startling range of musical depth. Dedication to the craft of songwriting is the common thread that connects songs such as the folk-inflected “Forks & Knives,” which leans heavily on the more traditional aspects of Americana, to the modern soulfulness of “West Of Where The Sun Goes Down” as it incorporates a swirling mélange of psychedelic organ and walls of vocals that leave the listener enraptured, enveloped, enamored. Hoots feels that “working with Brian really helped us to hone in on what each song demanded of us…we became mere channels for the greater power of the music.” The resulting record speaks for itself in exuberant tones.
