Catfish-Howl's Glen Robertson playing accordion live on stage
How Catfish-Howl’s Roots Rock Blends Classic Rock, Blues, and Country Storytelling
Some records feel immediately of the moment; others arrive and feel like they’ve always been here. The roots rock of Catfish-Howl, captured on their 2017 album 10 Bourbon Street, belongs firmly in the latter category. It bypasses trends entirely, planting its flag in American roots music. In doing so, it blends the storytelling of Country, the deep groove of the Blues, and the energy of Classic Rock — and that blend has only proven its endurance.
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A 2017 Roots Rock Standout That Still Resonates
For us at IndieRock.News, a record’s staying power is one of its most compelling qualities. In an industry that moves at breakneck speed, an album that keeps finding an audience years after its debut is rare and valuable. 10 Bourbon Street is precisely that. Over the years, it has quietly earned praise from outlets like Pigeon and Hot New Songs. As a result, it has built a case for itself as a catalogue cornerstone for anyone who values genuine, guitar-driven music. It rewards discovery, whether in a record bin or a streaming library.
The Catfish-Howl roots rock sound draws its established feel from the way the band weaves together its core influences. The DNA of Classic Rock is clear in the confident guitar work and the solid rhythmic foundation. Indeed, the swampy, driving attack brings to mind Creedence Clearwater Revival. There is a refusal to overcomplicate things here. Instead, the band favours muscular riffs and direct arrangements that serve the song above all else.
A Blend of Blues, Country, and New Orleans Zydeco
At the same time, the album is steeped in the Blues. You hear it in the phrasing, the grooves, and the raw feeling under each track. This bluesy foundation gives the rock elements a weight they might otherwise lack. Moreover, listeners who keep The Allman Brothers Band in their rotation will find a kindred spirit here, thanks to that same fusion of blues structure and rock amplification.
Tying it all together is a distinct Country sensibility. The songwriting has a narrative clarity that grounds the music in relatable human experience. This combination of styles, including what the band call a “New Orleans Style” Zydeco flavour, creates their distinct sound. In short, it is American roots music that draws on many traditions to forge something of its own.
How Catfish-Howl’s Roots Rock Captures Their Live Energy
While 10 Bourbon Street is a studio album, the Catfish-Howl roots rock sound still carries the energy of a live band. The pitch materials note a perfect 10/10 rating on Gig Heaven for their live shows. That doesn’t surprise once you press play. There is a palpable chemistry here, as if the band is together in one room, feeding off each other. The production stays clean but never sterile, so the raw power of the playing punches through.
Ultimately, it is the ability to translate the sweat and spirit of a packed venue onto tape. Glen, the founder of Catfish-Howl, speaks to that dedication when he reflects on the album’s appeal. “The enduring appeal of 10 Bourbon Street truly reflects the heart and soul we poured into it,” he stated. “We’re thrilled that new and old fans alike continue to find something genuine and powerful in its blend of genres.”
That passion is the album’s driving force. You can hear it in every guitar solo, every vocal line, and every locked-in rhythm. Glen’s sentiment gets to the heart of why the record still connects: “It’s a testament to the fact that good music, crafted with passion, truly stands the test of time.” In a world of programmed drums and digital sheen, this is the organic sound of a full band playing together.
IndieRock.News Curator Team: “10 Bourbon Street is an album that has outlasted its original 2017 release moment. It fits on any playlist dedicated to the intersection of Classic Rock, Blues, and Country. For us, its staying power and continued discovery by outlets like Music For All and INFOMUSIC make it a key entry point for listeners new to Catfish-Howl’s catalogue.”
For Fans of Southern Rock and Classic Country
So, who is this album for? It’s for the listener who believes rock and roll should have a little dirt under its fingernails. It’s for the fan who loves the extended jams of southern rock. Equally, it speaks to anyone drawn to the tight, story-driven songwriting of classic country. If your collection blurs the lines between genres — from Lynyrd Skynyrd to modern torchbearers like Blackberry Smoke — then Catfish-Howl is speaking your language.
This is music built for the open road and for late-night conversations. It rewards repeat listens, revealing new layers in its arrangements each time. Its continued discovery is proof of a permanent, dedicated audience for this sound. In other words, the specific blend of Classic Rock, Blues, and Country still wins out over passing fads.
Years after its release, 10 Bourbon Street remains a defining introduction to the Catfish-Howl roots rock sound. So put this record on, turn it up, and get acquainted.
Beyond the Spotify player above, you can stream 10 Bourbon Street on Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Bandcamp.
Keep up with the band at their official site and across Instagram, Facebook, and X.
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