Houndmouth
Little Neon Limelights
(Rough Trade)
As they jump off the sugary Americana train that they initially rode to success (before that corner of the genre inevitably crashes), in favor of becoming a full-fledged pop band, Houndmouth, on their second full-length, vividly show their strengths glistening harmonies, infectious melodies as well as their weaknesses a shortage of original ideas, believability. Theyre at their finest on songs like Sedona and Otis charismatic, straightforward tunes that rise and fall and see their voices blending together nicely. And they are at their worst on 15 Years and By God, both failing to take an interesting step forward as they come too close to the quirky time signature changes, echo-effects and vocal rhythms that mirror when The Beatles were playing greasy 1950s rock n roll. The middle ground is For No One and Gasoline stripped-down, chilly tracks that show equal parts prowess and promise.