About
Dave Hunter and the Seven Hundred
Playing the music of The Molenes and new alt-twang material
Formed in 2025 on the back of two decades of original music making in the Northeast, Dave Hunter and the Seven Hundred is launching its live efforts by recapturing the best of the songs of his former award-winning band, The Molenes, while presenting newly penned songs in the same amped-up Americana vein.
Through three full-length albums and one EP released between 2005–2015, The Molenes landed on countless “year’s best” lists for Americana/Alt-country recordings, reached the Top 40 of the Americana Music Association’s (AMA) radio chart and Top 20 of the Freeform American Roots (FAR) chart, had songs featured in movies and network TV shows, and were played on radio stations and reviewed in publications in more than a dozen countries worldwide. Through it all, fans and critics alike were consistently drawn to the energy and virtuosity of the musicianship, and the compelling atmosphere expressed in these visions of the back roads, dark alleys, and forgotten corners of American life, both yesterday and today.
Here in 2026 Dave Hunter and the Seven Hundred carries on with the mission. Guitarist and lead vocalist Hunter is joined by Chris Kelly on guitar and vocals, Steve Barlock on bass and vocals, and Joe Welsh on drums and vocals, adding new original material that takes the story forward. Currently recording toward a new full-length release for July 2026—following the release of their debut single, “It Made the Greatest Sound,” in January, and the follow-up “Leaving Westbrook” in February—the band is currently playing live dates in the Northeast to take the music back out where it matters.
You can hear much of the set list on Spotify, Apple Music, or your streaming service of choice by loading up past Molenes LPs Good Times Comin’, Songs of Sin and Redemption, and This Car is Big while the first release from Dave Hunter and the Seven Hundred is still in the works.
From the critics:
“A Stones-meets-Son Volt gem.” –Jonathan Perry, Boston Globe
“If you've spent any time following the Molenes, you'll want to spend more of it with Good Times Comin' - it's the album you knew they had in them. And if you haven't, now would be a good time to pick up the story: one of the best in the not-uncrowded ranks of New England alt-country and country-rock bands… A broadly satisfying mix of country rock, Jayhawks-style folk and good ol' fashioned honky-tonk.” –Chad Berndtson, Boston Patriot-Ledger
“The Molenes are rightly becoming renowned as one of New England's best Americana-related outfits and their authentic grasp of roots-rock stylings is fast becoming a joy for the ear to behold.” –Tim Peacock, Whisperin & Hollerin (UK)
Contact: Dave Hunter – dhunterwordsmusic@yahoo.com – cell: 603-812-6299
