Hoots & Hellmouth

Hoots and Hellmouth | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 24, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Mad Dragon Records
• ASIN: B000OCY6YK
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #108,909 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Midwest Record

A rocking revival meeting from hell with more Memphis than deep south in it's southern rock, this is certainly for people that like the raucousness of Big & Rich but think they are too commercial and want something that really is down and dirty while being over the top. Crazy, energetic stuff that always wild and wooly and ready to kick your ass. 74 (Mad Dragon)

Product Description

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.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice Debut Album from Philly Roots Rockers, May 1, 2007

By 

J. Riff (NJ) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Hoots & Hellmouth (Audio CD)

I first saw Hoots and Hellmouth at the XPN Festival in Philly in 2006, they played an amazing set right before the massive thunderstorms rolled in. I was so blown away I had to get my hands on some of their music, problem was that they had no albums released. Well I waited a whole year to get my hands on this album. Expectations were high and in the end I felt a little disappointed first listen through, mainly that the production is too clean for this style of music. The better tracks are the ones that sound as if they were recorded live-you can feel the passion on such tracks as Home in a Boxcar, Home for supper and This hand is a mighty hand. I wish this flowed throughout the album. However second time through I can honestly say each song grew on me and had me tappinn along. An early favorite is the closer West of Where the Sun goes down. I highly recommend this album if you like the roots rock of Avett Brothers, folkism of Josh Ritter or you just want to hear some good tunes. However I also suggest you catch these guys live-hell of a show...I just hope they put out a live album sooner then later so those unable to make a show can get on board.

5.0 out of 5 stars Hootin for more! See them live, if you get a chance..., January 7, 2010

By 

Harriet "HerbyD" (Waterford, VA, United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Hoots & Hellmouth (Audio CD)

I'm no music critic, but this band is awesome!!! They are from Philadelphia. We went to see the band live last year at a little place in WV even though we knew nothing about them. Music and band were a blast! We all gravitated to it instantly, even my 7 & 10 year olds. They are an amazing mix of rock, gospel, folk, & bluegrass. They put their all into the music. They really let their passion for music and community spirit shine through - a rare & special thing in this day & age. Just wonderful for all!!! You have to listen to them, read their web site, see them live. You'll be "hootin'" for more in no time!

5.0 out of 5 stars These guys have IT!!!!!, May 20, 2009

By 

Susan L. Byers (Franklin, PA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Hoots & Hellmouth (Audio CD)

...Passion, soul, awesome talent!!! Make it a point to see them live!!! We saw them on the West Coast (Portland) and it was just cool serendipity...we found out they were from here in PA!! Best show we've seen in years, better than the "big" names!!! I'm anxious to buy their next cd when it comes out soon!! We hope to see them live here on the East Coast soon!!!