Hovvdy is an Austin duo made up of Charlie Martin and Will Taylor, two former drummers who picked up guitars pretty recently. As a result, their music is pleasingly simple and rhythm-focused. Taster, the band’s third release, moves at a loping speed, and it often reminds me of Built To Spill or early Modest Mouse if those bands were subjected to Austin’s punishing, lethargic summer temperatures.
“Problem” started out as an iPhone demo a few years ago, but on Taster, the song blooms. The focus is on everyday emotions–“I’ll walk you home / You say you’re tired of talking to people you don’t know”–but in Hovvdy’s steady hands, the problems crumble underneath waves of melodic distortion.
“Problem” appears on Taster, out now. Hovvdy plays tonight at the Barracuda.
–Art Levy // host, Sunday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., producer, My KUTX
