From the full and addictive beats arises the melody of two guitars strumming parts in perfect harmony. The voices of the Brothers Houck quickly follow suit, weaving a blanket of sound that lulls the surrounding crowd into a near hypnotic state: swaying and singing, carried away by the music. Mysterious, meaningful lyrics compel listeners to happily follow the Hungry Villagers where ever they may lead.
It’s no mistake that brothers Jacob, Abraham and David Houck of the Hungry Villagers can have this affect on music lovers. Starting in 2006, the three musicians made their way one by one to Houston. This was part of the Houck family’s extended exodus out of Africa to return to America. The Houck progeny, sons and daughters of missionary musicians, were raised with music on the road in Southern Africa, and all across the mid-western states.
Somehow David, Jacob and Abraham found themselves in Houston, with no real plan or map. There they met drummer Ferrick Hallaron IV. Songs started appearing, creeping out of the cracks in the walls and blowing in on hurricane winds.
A recent event listing in the Houston Chronicle said “Hungry Villagers make dramatic use of a quiet/loud dynamic with songs that are beautifully ominous and moody. They’re also crafty with tempo, sending their songs into interesting directions.”
An early review in the Houston Press labeled the band “Houston’s newest contenders for national notoriety,” and warned readers that “when you start hearing this stuff plastered all over blogs from here to London, don’t say we didn’t warn you.”
The Hungry Villagers released their debut single, Little Fingers, at Cactus Music on March 28. Check out photos and a video from the party.
Abraham and Jacob perform an acoustic version of “Sleeping With My Milk.”
Sleeping With My Milk from Hungry Villagers on Vimeo.
