Reviewed by Harry Kaplan

When you think of Minnesota and music, southern rock doesn’t immediately come to mind. What does come to mind are seminal post punk bands like The Replacements, Huusker Du, and Soul Asylum. And those noisy Amphetamine Reptile bands like the Cows and Babes In Toyland. Maybe the musical landscape in Minneapolis is changing and The Plott Hounds are making it happen. Their mix of country infused southern rock is just what Minneapolis ordered. 

These guys cover a lot of musical ground, starting at the previously mentioned southern rock and continuing with classic country, and old time rock n’ roll. They play loud and that’s the way we like it. This is music for a good time Friday or Saturday night. Hell, this will work on a Wednesday night as well, provided you have plenty of cold PBRs. And bring a few extra ’cause some of that precious golden pilsner will get spilled due to all the dancing going on.

The musicianship on “Damn The Wind” is spectacular. All these fellas know their way around their respective instruments. And the chemistry that these performers create is greater than the sum of its parts. So who are The Plott Hounds? That’s a good question and deserves an equally solid answer. The Plott Hounds are: Noah Alexander (lead vocals & guitar), Jeff Powell (lead guitar), Catfish Kirk (lead guitar & vocals), Kevin Coughenour (bass guitar & vocals), and Tater on Drums.

If we begin at the beginning, which is always a good place to start, we are staring at Country Blues (Track 1) square in the face. This song is loud and aggressive and must be played at top volume to be fully appreciated. This song pays homage to the greats in country rock and blues.

The pace doesn’t skip a beat as the tracks advance. Old Photos (Track 2) is definitely more on the country side than the rock side, as evidenced by the beautiful opening pedal steel riffs. This song has twang coming out of its pores. It is dripping with twang. This song is a bit rough and rowdy as well, but the vocals and sublime harmonies help to tame the wildness.

If a solid, funky groove and tons of soul is your thing, might I suggest Not All Tornadoes Come From Texas (Track 5). I dare you not to dance while this track is on the platter. I double dog dare ya. Impossible. 

Minnesota has long been on the map for punk and alternative music. The Plott Hounds are changing the dynamic in the Minneapolis music scene. Maybe, just maybe, this is the start of a bit of a musical renaissance in the land of 10,000 lakes led by “Damn The Wind” by the mighty Plott Hounds.

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