TonyDoug's CD Reviews

by tonydoug wright

Hoots & Hellmouth, Hoots & Hellmouth (Mad Dragon Records)

The Band: Andrew Gray, Sean Hoots, and Robert Berliner

The History: Hoots & Hellmouth are a Philadelphia band that believes in the power of live shows which they describe as “traveling tent revivals”. Sean Hoots and Andrew “Hellmouth” Gray left their loud rock and roll ways in 2005 and formed an acoustic based band. Hoots & Hellmouth is their debut album, which was produced by Brian McTear (Capitol Years and Matt Pond PA).

The Review: I was there in the mid 1990s when the hippie revival quietly faded away. The number of kids with tie-dyed Dead and Phish t-shirts were not as prevalent on campus and sadly there was the lone hackie sack guy who had to find out the hard way that there would be no more “Sack Sessions”. Who knows what happened, but I have had conversations with my fellow peers to discuss the situation and we have never come to a group consensus. One of my theories is that a portion of the movement made their way towards the Americana and bluegrass circles. Perhaps a grant funded project would help me with my theory.

Hoots & Hellmouth have something musically that would appeal to those good folks who proudly wore their hippie badge during that revival period. Their debut album is fantastic, full of energy, and a toe tappin’ good time release inspired by bluegrass and gospel. Hoots & Hellmouth have a knack for writing songs that puts listeners in a good mood. For example, ‘Home for Supper’ is one of those songs that make a fella grab a gal for a dance around the campfire while ‘Want on Nothing’ may have you shaking because you caught some of the spirit. Also, what makes this album by Hoots & Hellmouth great is the fact that this album goes well with an ice cold beer and that’s what makes a band an extraordinary one.

Website: www.hootsandhellmouth.com

The Visitors, The Visitors (Eschatone Records)

The Band: Brad, Brian, and Danny

The History: In 2002, band member Brad was living in San Francisco and was invited to New York to perform at CBGB’s. Two years later, Brad moved to New York and was introduced to Brian, also a newcomer to the Big Apple. Scene veteran Danny later joined the band. The Visitors was released in early 2007.

The Review: Browsing the discount CD bins has always been an adventure for me because I have discovered some fantastic albums in those bins. It was the spring of 1994 and I discovered a 1970s New York punk scene compilation disc from Rhino in a bargain bin. The CD featured the usual suspects: The Ramones, The Heartbreakers, Television, and The Dead Boys. I still play that CD when I need a gritty rock and roll fix.

The Visitors are a band that’s definitely inspired by the 1970s New York punk scene. Their bad attitude music is a kick to the head and there are moments where they successfully channel the rock spirits of Mink Deville, Tuff Darts, and Johnny Thunders. ‘Clean and Civilized’ is the opening track that sets the pace for an amazing rock debut where all of the songs are fueled by cheap whiskey and even cheaper beer. ‘Runnin’ From You’ and ‘Never Get Enough’ are a couple of killer blues inspired numbers while ‘I Don’t Belong’ is a new loud and snotty anthem for the kids. The Visitors pay tribute to Roky Erickson with their cover of ‘I Walked With a Zombie’. The Visitors is perhaps one of the best rock albums of 2007 and let’s get on our knees and pray that this debut album by The Visitors is not their last.

Website: www.officialvisitors.com