Houndsteeth

Grace Ward, Jolee Gordon, and Izzy Da Fonseca’s friendship is the animating force behind the NY/LA-based trio, Houndsteeth. In 2017, using an upright piano and an un-amped electric guitar, Gordon and Ward worked out an arrangement of Gordon’s song, “Sway/Stay". By animating Gordon’s simple, metaphoric lyrics with whiplashing vocal polyphony, the pair set an exciting standard for their new project, one that has remained at the core of their sound. Companionship has also remained a central element for Houndsteeth, as the two found joy in creating music together unguarded within the male-dominated scene at the New England Conservatory. Content with the intimacy of a two-piece, the pair had no intention of expanding the band until Da Fonseca recorded drums on a couple tracks before mixing and mastering Stain Your Tongue. Following that release, Da Fonseca began playing shows with Houndsteeth, and the trio began work on the songs that make up Hold Your Horses. With the security of a combined decade of friendship, Gordon, Da Fonseca, and Ward traverse the song worlds they create with both conviction and curiosity. Humble lyrics are woven into sonic webs of dissonance, close counterpoint, and adventurous vocal lines. Their sophomore album, Hold Your Horses showcases the trio’s capacity for experimentation, making the most of each member’s unique skill set.