Photo by Katrienne Soulagnet
We all know that with spring comes new music that we happily greet to wake us from our state of hibernation. Vox and the Hound (@voxandthehound) is perfect for doing just that and so much more. The seasoned quintet have been involved in the New Orleans music scene for quite some time. From their first show at New Orleans’ Foburg Music Festival in spring of 2010, to playing Foburg again in 2011 and all the gigs in between, they’ve developed a nice sized following and rightfully so. These gentlemen have a pretty impressive list of side projects as well, including Empress Hotel, The Green Genes, City Zoo, and Big, Fat and Delicious. Although their roles in these other bands have a hand in limiting their practice and touring time, whenever they get together everything seems to just fall perfectly into place.
Their debut five-song EP, Hermosa, was released this January and since then, it’s gotten heavy rotation in my headphones. It’s perfect for the winter to spring transition as they effortlessly intertwine ethereal synths and well-placed punchy percussion, with a hint of classic country thanks to the smooth guitars and rich, despondent vocals.
Their maturity shines through brilliantly in the beginning of what looks to be a bright season for them. Hermosa is all at once catchy and unforgettable; it has a natural way of making you feel comfy and cozy while still keeping you swaying to the beat — indeed much like the changing of the seasons. I find myself listening to the upbeat “Mary Got Married” and mellow “Cloud 9” over and over again without tiring of them in the least. There’s also something incredibly endearing about the minimalist track “Boxes”.
If you’re itching for free goodies you can download their demo album, The Early Years, and a couple of their tracks from the New Orleans-based indie compilation, Four the Birds. So scoop up all the Vox and the Hound your little heart desires via BandCamp, head out to the park, to class, wherever, and welcome spring with Vox and the Hound.
