Houndmouth/Jesse Friedberg/The Smug Saints

Straight outta Louisville, Ky., Houndmouth taps into the collective consciousness of the dusty fringes of the Midwest. The band’s debut album, From The Hills Below The City, was released earlier this year. It’s a true delight, complete with folksy fun, heartfelt musicianship and nods to the country-tinged legacy that lay within their shadow. Katie Toupin’s voice is a wonder and she adds joy to every note she hits. She’s earnest. And the three gentlemen of the band — guitarist Matt Myers, drummer Shane Cody and bassist Zak Appleby — harmonize very well while laying down top-notch music alongside the band’s meaningful lyrics. Check out “On The Road” for a taste of how the band members work together. (Eric Sandy)