A Whole Lot Of Nothin’
Self-Released, 2021
9/10
Listen to A Whole Lot Of Nothin’
A Nashville outfit comprised of Scott Hinds (bass, vocals), Matheus Canteri (guitar, backing vocals, production), and Nathan Place (drums, percussion, organ), as The Royal Hounds the trio mesh rockabilly, honky tonk and rock’n’roll with a clever sense of humor, and they’ve got some guests along for the diverse outing.
“Cheap Drunk” starts the album with plenty of infectious energy as Hinds’ rugged yet tuneful pipes tune suit the soaring guitar solos and Nathan Place’s thumping drums on the garage rocker, and “I Just Can’t Two Step” follows with some fun honky tonk flavor that benefits from frisky keys amid classic country nods.
Deeper into the listen, the initially swift “I Hope You Go To Hell” settles into a melodic country rocker that’s quite comical, while “Door #3” is a playful, instrumental track that flows with meticulous guitar playing and punchy drumming. ‘Invitation To Be Lonely”, one of the album’s best, then recruits Aaron Till’s fiddle into the dance floor ready, rural rocker.
“Corn Fritters” arrives near the end and offers a rich and highly rhythmic display of dynamic songwriting, and “Dead Guy’s Blues” exits the listen indeed with some bluesy swagger that displays gruff vocals before abruptly ending, which only further cements the band’s lighthearted approach.
The pandemic forced artists to be productive in other avenues and The Royal Hounds tackled that with live streams, a covers album and laying the ground work for this exceptional listen. It’s definitely the most country oriented they’ve been, in a charismatic Spinal Tap sort of way, and puts a very entertaining spin on the Nashville sound.
Travels well with: Lara Hope And The Ark-Tones- Here To Tell The Tale; The Shootouts- Bullseye