Dave Hunter and the Seven Hundred – ‘Tamp That Fever Down’ [Album Review]

There is a particular strain of American guitar music that sounds as if it has been left outside too long: weathered but ready to go. Dave Hunter and the Seven Hundred’s debut album, Tamp That Fever Down, is one of those albums. Set for release on July 7, the long player blends roots rock, alt-country, and road-worn Americana into something dense, a bit battered, and unmistakably lived-in.

The project is new only in the technical sense. Hunter has spent roughly 20 years writing and performing original music in the Northeast, most notably with The Molenes, the award-winning band whose catalog now serves as both foundation and spectral manifestation for this latest incarnation. Formed in 2025, Dave Hunter and the Seven Hundred began by reviving the strongest pieces of The Molenes’ songbook while threading in fresh material.

Between 2005 and 2015, The Molenes released three albums and an EP, earned placement on Americana and alt-country year-end lists, cracked the Top 40 of the Americana Music Association radio chart and the Top 20 of the Freeform American Roots chart, and sent songs into films, network television, radio playlists, and reviews across more than a dozen countries.

Here, on Tamp That Fever Down, Hunter pushes The Molenes’ sound into new realms. He is joined by guitarist/vocalist Chris Kelly, bassist/vocalist Steve Barlock, and drummer/vocalist Joe Welsh.

“It Made the Greatest Sound” opens the album with a low-slung alt-country melody featuring a sapphire guitar and a round bassline. Hunter’s vocals imbue the lyrics with lonely, mysterious colors and more than a touch of nostalgia.

For some reason, “Hey, Gina” summons memories of Jackson Browne backed by Thin Lizzy at their countrified best. It’s a smooth, shimmering, slick song that gets under your skin. The bray of the organ is divine and makes the melody shine.

The vocals on “Time” are reminiscent of Bob Dylan, while the melody suggests a galvanized Dan Fogelberg or perhaps Pure Prairie League. Whereas “How Long Can This Go On” features platinum guitars riding a tight, crunchy cadence. Hunter’s vocals reveal slightly drawling tones, giving the lyrics emotional heft.

Dave Hunter and the Seven Hundred, photo by Jerry Monkman

A flat, popping snare provides the intro to “Back Again,” a song evocative of Tom Petty because of its Southern roots’ essence. The bounce and swing of this track make it irresistibly charming.

“Top of the World” not only slows things down, but it also closes the album. A drifting harmonica takes center stage, backed up by softly glistening guitars. Finessed drumming infuses this track with a measured, cowboy waltz motion.

Quietly gratifying, with Tamp That Fever Down, Dave Hunter and the Seven Hundred spell out the allure of first-rate Americana.

Tamp That Fever Down Track Listing:

1. Made the Greatest Sound
2. Hey, Gina
3. Got a Favor
4. Leaving Westbrook
5. Time
6. Chicken Little’s Bones
7. How Long Can This Go On
8. Even the Darkest Days
9. Back Again
10. I’ve Got a Bad Feeling
11. Top of the World

Run Time: 38:27
Release Date: July 7, 2026
Record Label: Happy Little Records