When referencing small groups with great potential coming from Indiana, immediately Hoosiers comes to mind. Five guys with dreams much bigger than the town they reside in, that's Dugger, Indiana's Philpot.

After carefully working out the makeup of the band during their early years (2000), the potential of the current ensemble sprung to new heights when the group bumrushed New York City in 2004 to play in front of celebrities at a club owned by rockers Fuel and the Velvet Revolver. This type of bravado swinging in from nowhere America to the country's melting pot is what has taken Philpot from ordinary Heartlanders to a new heartbeat for music-lovers everywhere.

Harnessing a sound fused between the Black Crowes and Oasis along with a chemistry that has been developed over years of camaraderie compounds their synthesis. This pleasant mixture of talents together comes full swing at live shows but it also passes on to their recorded works. Find out they have written more than 300 songs together, most of which have never been recorded, and you have an intriguing formula.

Despite the typical comparisons to Oasis or any other alt-rockers, the individual swagger of the stars on stage benefits their live sets beyond a typical and tunnel-vision approach. While the hearty vocals of Kentz Ward protrude to the forefront of Philpot's recordings, the dynamic stringplay of Caleb Smith breaks any castings on these guys as just another rock band. Even if Caleb or Kentz don't attract your dearest attention, then the toils of Josh Kennedy (guitar), Arthur Ready (drums) and Tyler Evans (bass) are more than likely to start one Googling Philpot's upcoming tour dates.

After recording Bitch Be The World with Applehead Films & Records, Philpot was quickly picked up by Toucan Cove/Universal Records. Their latest, Hate Writes Better Than Love, continues the group's dynamic threading into the rock world as is shown by their song "Girls Don't Know", which immediately sparked interest in the UK.

Tour dates are below, but make sure to check out their website or MySpace for the latest Philpot news. Photos used are from Philpot's show on October 12 at The Khyber courtesy of Jared Coffin.

MP3: Philpot - Image in the Wood (buy)

10/19/2008 Melody Inn Indianapolis, IN
10/23/2008 The Verve Terre Haute, IN
10/25/2008 Oodle Inn Switz City, IN
10/31/2008 7th & Elm Terre Haute, IN
11/7/2008 Deerhead Tavern Evansville, IN
11/14/2008 Ciceros University City, MO
11/20/2008 Double Door Chicago, IL
11/21/2008 The Reptile Palace Oshkosh, WI
11/22/2008 John Harbor's Main St Menomonee Falls, WI
11/28/2008 Dawg House Terre Haute, IN
11/29/2008 Oodle Inn Switz City, IN