Europe is known for its castles, vineyards and royalty — not rock ‘n’ roll. Just ask Trent Norton of the Honeydogs.

“Have you heard their music?” the bassist of the Minneapolis quartet said. “I don’t know how to figure out the European audiences.”

Luckily he doesn’t have to anymore. Paying dues in a band that toured the flip side of the Atlantic playing ’50s and ’60s music, Norton and the rest of the Honeydogs, guitarist Tommy Borscheid, guitarist/lead vocalist Adam Levy and drummer Noah Levy, have found success stateside.

After a banner 1996 during which the band was named “Best Americana/Roots Rock Band” and said to have the “Best Americana/Roots Rock Recording” by the Minnesota Music Academy, The Honeydogs sweetened the pot by recently signing with Mercury/Debris Records.

“We weren’t getting along well with October,” Norton said of the group’s former label. “So, [the new offer] came at a good time.”

And, of course, with major labels come perks, time, help from industry big-wigs and money.

For the new, as-yet-untitled album, The Honeydogs teamed up with producer Tom Herbers who also produced the group’s second album, Everything, I Bet You.

The new disc features several collaborative efforts including the Hammond organ stylings of Al Cooper, whose handy work can be heard on Bob Dylan’s “Blonde on Blonde,” Jimi Hendrix’s “Electric Ladyland,” and the Rolling Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.”

“Obviously we were able to spend more time,” Norton said of the CD. “Maturity-wise, I don’t know how much different it is. Maybe it’s a little more diverse.”

How much more diverse? How about employing the talents of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Minnesota Orchestra for that added touch. But the members The Honeydogs always considered themselves a tad askew.

“There’s a certain amount of unpredictability,” Norton said of the Honey sound. “But it must make sense somewhere. It has to, because it makes sense to me. It’s just music I would listen to.”

After a short hiatus from the college circuit, The Honeydogs have returned to the road to make sure the coeds get to listen to it as well.

“We’d been concentrating more on New York and cities like that,” Norton explained. “Places where people stick around for more than a season.”

But all The Honeydogs really want is to feel Minnesota — Minnesota love that is.

“You always want to be embraced by the town your from,” he said.

Well Ames, open your arms anyway. The Honeydogs are heading this way tonight. Destination: People’s Bar and Grill. Cover for the 9:30 p.m. show is $3. Sorry, this hugfest is only for those 21 and over.