I don’t remember how I got introduced to The Heartless Bastards (although it might have been this radio interview) but I do distinctly remember that it took one listen to one song (New Resolution) to get me permanently hooked. I also remember talking with my friend Scott in December 2005 about our favorite new music and our picks for best album of the year. The White Stripes had released Get Behind Me Satan that year and were getting a lot of press, but I told Scott that I thought HB’s Stairs and Elevators, which has a similar low-fi, gritty, blues rock sound, was actually a better album with more consistent song writing – and it rocked just as hard.
On Monday night The Heartless Bastards played the Doug Fir (my favorite Portland venue) and I hadn’t been able to see them before so I was excited to finally catch them live. And after hearing them perform some of their new material, I’m also excited about the release of their new album in February.
In case you’re not familiar with the Bastards, they’ve actually been a revolving group of musicians centered around Erika Wennerstrom – an amazing musician doing the song writing, guitar and vocals. There are some other great blues rock bands out there (like the Black Keys and the afore mentioned White Stripes) but Wennerstrom single-handedly creates a uniquely intense and soulful sound. And live, she really kicks ass.
Anyway, rather then gush on more in my post wicked-live-show-euphoria, I’ll just say check ’em out and use the Amazon gift card you get at Christmas to buy their new album.
Not More Music Crap? 