Catfish Haven

There is something comforting and eternal about the sound of Southern rock. From the opening guitar jangle and bass bounce, you’re ready for kegs to be tapped, trucker hats to be rotated front to back and Camaros to spit gravel peeling out of driveways. Catfish Haven are from the Midwest (Chicago) but they have a Skynyrd heart and ZZ Top scruff (and Eliminator-style album title) to their songs of love, loss and weak-ass lager. Singer/guitarist George Hunter has a vocal delivery that any karaoke warrior would give their leather vest for. For better or worse, what the three-piece lack is any ironic distance from the classic ’70s period that fuels their muscle car. The Bad Co., Foghat and Grand Funk grooves are dug so deep into their tunes you could use them as ball mazes. If you’re looking to throw an Animal House-style bash and think Kings of Leon have too much introspection to ignite the toga call, Catfish Haven could be your band.