considering the shit storm that life's recently sent my way. however, that's besides the point. though, because of that i've had to take a sabbatical from all things ryan adams and neko case, which means i've been compelled to search the internets for new bands to occupy my speakers.
so, here's my latest find for you: heartless bastards.
from cincinatti/dayton, ohio, heartless bastards are a three-piece band, fronted by Erika Wennerstrom - a woman that really makes me want to join a rock and roll band, she's that fucking good. she's powerful - but soft enough to swoop you up in her bluesy, soulful, twang, laid over top distorted guitars, and cradle you to sleep in her rock and roll dreamland. she's my new lady crush. move over neko case, a new woman's in town.
The Mountain is the newest album, released on Fat Possum Records (home to wavves, townes van zandt and andrew bird) and it's solid, front to back. it bends through genres from rock, to blues, to alt-country, to hints of classic rock, and back again.
stand-out tracks:
"could be so happy" - i love it's simplicity. i love it's folky, bluesy vibe. i love how it makes me sway in my chair while i write about it.
"the mountain" - i wish this song were the soundtrack to my life. it reminds me of everything i love about music. it sounds timeless, to me. i hope this song takes this record where it deserves to go. i think it's capable of doing that.
"sway" and "out to sea" are also standout, hands down, amazing tracks.
buy it. you won't be disappointed.
