Bandaloop Records Artist Roger Hoover and the Whiskeyhounds

Walking in the footsteps of Dylan, Waits, and Cash, Roger Hoover just may be the greatest singer/songwriter of this generation. With lyrics that are thought provoking and real, Hoover paints vivid portraits, pulls you into the narrative and makes you feel as if he is writing about you personally. Hoover's ability to pen well crafted, catchy tunes combined with touching, heartfelt, and sometimes biting lyrics, are apt to draw comparisons to Paul Westerberg and Elvis Costello. That is high praise indeed but after listening to the songs on "Panic Blues" a few times, one is left with no choice but to count these folks among Hoover's peers.

PRESS FOR ROGER HOOVER AND THE WHISKEYHOUNDS

Released earlier this month, the debut CD from Akron, Ohio foursome Roger Hoover and the Whiskeyhounds, "Panic Blues" (Bandaloop Records) is already earning well-considered critical praise. While many music critics will over-zealously throw in references to Dylan, Westerberg, and Waits just to capture a reader's attention, those nods to hallowed names certainly apply when it comes to Hoover's evocative and imagistic lyrics (with maybe a little John Fogerty thrown in for good measure). Likewise, The Whiskeyhounds' roots-and-rumble style of playing references the work of such freewheelin' players as The Band and CCR. The band has reportedly begun working on a new recording with Band vocalist/drummer Levon Helm which may just launch them into the stratosphere of "critical darlings." - Buffalo Artvoice Playing a mixture of coutry, rock and blues, the Whiskeyhounds have a narrative style that's garnered comparisons to everyone from Van Morrison and Bob Dylan to Dylan Thomas. Hoover doesn't just concern himself with catchy choruses and refrains -- he composes with a sensibility that recalls Nebraska-era Springsteen or present-day Steve Earle. - Cleveland Free Times

Out of the gate on his second release, Panic Blues, Roger Hoover displays a brash, full-force vocal that recalls the warm, throaty tone of John Fogerty. At other times, he's in possession of Southern-rock drawl that's uncommon for these times. During the first few cuts here, you get the feeling that this band could've easily been a radio staple alongside such rootsy fair such as The Allman Brothers, Van Morrison, CCR, and The Band. Interestingly, and not surprisingly, Levon Helm is working with this Akron, OH quartet on their follow-up recording, and that certainly leaves some strong indication as to what kind of impression this self-produced release has given. Hoover's songs possess a humbled sense of maturity and honesty whether he's working an intimate or fiery mood, and this fine release works everything in between. (Bandaloop Records) - Milesofmusic.com

Once you get past the fact that singer Roger Hoover sounds uncannily like the original singer from the Marshall Tucker Band, the Whiskeyhounds really start to grow on you. Comfortable in the twang pop vernacular, they wander down adjacent audio hallways with confidence. Ironically, Hoover did suffer from panic/anxiety disorder, which led to bouts of hard drinking, which in turn led to subject matter not at the disposal of the average songwriter. Sure, "Ain't Working For The Man" could be The Band after a few shots, but "Almost Grown" and "Be My Queen" (among others) are knockouts. - Pop Culture Press

As a solo performer and leader of the Whiskeyhounds, Roger Hoover regularly holds court in his hometown of Akron, though he sounds as if he grew up in a backwoods Tennessee family that worshiped at a racially diverse gospel church. Panic Blues, the Whiskeyhounds' second album, opens with "Keep Me Away From You," country blues that sounds like John Fogerty fronting the Black Keys. Country boys in a rock world, Hoover and the 'Hounds can unplug or go electric as needed. Fumbling through misfortune and chasing love, Hoover finds himself staring down the barrel of a gun and succumbing to "two-dollar girls finished by three-dollar wine." He sings in the faux drawl of a wandering soul who's strayed off the beaten path and has miles to go before he gets back to it. "I can only make one promise," Hoover confesses at one point. "I'm gonna go like Dylan Thomas." Fortunately for Hoover and his fans, he's already proved he doesn't need to live the life to make the music. - Scene Magazine

May 18	Northside	Akron, OH
May 19	Rodeo Bar	New York, NY
May 20	Kevin O'Brien's	Akron, OH
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