The Band of Heathens - “The Band of Heathens” (BOH Records)

As one of the writers for this website I have the privilege of checking out new music on a regular basis. Some of that new music is astonishing and some is less than desirable. There is much of it that fits in-between. It is an absolute thrill when I slide in a new disc, in my car or at home, and have a desire to crank it up from start to finish because it sounds so darn good. The debut disc from The Band of Heathens is one of those discs I have had an opportunity to crank up on numerous occasions since first listening.

The first point to cover is the disc is very adequately produced by Ray Wylie Hubbard. Ray is still best known for writing the classic song, “Up Against the Wall, Redneck Mother.” That bluesy, rowdy, rootsy sound is still very much prevalent on this disc.

The next point is how much this disc sounds like wonderful bands I have embraced throughout the years, without ever sounding plagiaristic. At times I hear Beggars Banquet era Rolling Stones. I hear the Black Crowes at times. Even more interesting is how much they sound like Little Feat… a really good Little Feat. A band that is really popular now is Drive-By Truckers and those fans would embrace this disc as well.

For fans of acoustic guitars, Dobro, and lap steel, you definitely will love many of the songs on here. For fans of Faces style of loose, raucous, and groove-ridden rock you’ll get plenty of that. I am always a sucker fora great Hammond B-3 sound. If you love that sound, you’ll be glad to know there’s an abundance of that also.

Another point to touch on is the excellent songwriters these guys are. Many of these songs sound like an old classic song that would have blasted through FM stations back about 30-some years ago. From the PR sheet that accompanied the disc, it sounds like these guys are a terrific live band as well. They pack in the crowds in the Austin area clubs and I am here to proclaim, they appear to be on the verge of packing clubs all over the place.

The Band of Heathens offers up plenty of loose, raucous, and groove-ridden rock on their self-titled studio debut.

There are some very nice appearances on from Patty Griffin on vocals, Ray Wylie Hubbard on slide guitar and vocals, and Stephen Bruton playing mandolin on a couple songs. Bruton has played with Bonnie Raitt, Delbert McClinton, Bob Dylan, Waylon Jennings and many more. His list of musical accomplishments goes on forever, and he is a fantastic addition to this CD.

I happen to like every song on this disc! Its hard to pick out one that stands above the rest. However, I think I will attempt one song above the throng, “Cornbread.” I find this song irresistible and it makes me smile with an huge grin each time I hear it. Upon repeated listening, I’m not sure they are just singing about cornbread. Their tongues are planted firmly in their cheeks. Check out this song and find out what I’m talking about.

This is a very solid, enjoyable disc from an equally talented band. Do yourself and The Band of Heathens a favor and check them out. Musically, lyrically and performance wise this band has it all going for themselves. You will not be disappointed.

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The Band of Heathens will release their self-titled CD on May 20, 2008.

Immensely popular Austin-based musicians The Band of Heathens take one more step beyond their Texas borders when they unveil their self-titled studio release on May 20, 2008. The five “rough around the edges” members of The Band of Heathens have a grit and authenticity reminiscent of other notable fan-driven rock bands like Little Feat, The Black Crowes and Drive-By Truckers.

Known for their live recordings, The Band of Heathens present a polished studio album that showcases the individuals who came together partly by accident and marks their actualization into a unified band. The Band of Heathens were making a name for themselves long before they actually had their present moniker. While performing in other bands at the same venue, the guys began to jam together and were affectionately called the Heathens. Before long, the Austin press picked up on the name, which later evolved into The Band of Heathens. The Band of Heathens’ brand of Southern rock soon garnered the Austin Music Awards “Best New Band of the Year” accolade in 2007.

Living and performing in the live music capital of the US, The Band of Heathens have been able to forge musical relationships with local luminaries, many of whom contribute their talents to the new record. Produced by Ray Wylie Hubbard, the studio release features guests Stephen Bruton, Patty Griffin and Gurf Morlix. With no single front man, Ed Jurdi, Gordy Quist and Colin Brooks are each showcased in their vocal delivery, songwriting and guitar interplay. The unified front downstage is cemented by a heavy groove courtesy of Seth Whitney on bass and John Chipman on drums.

Touring all over the United States has also added layers of flavor to their songs. With raucous favorites like, “Bumblebee” and “Jenny Was a Keeper,” the audience participation is a key ingredient. The guys definitely do not disappoint those looking for a live vibe on their latest record. The Band of Heathens’ fans will eat up the buoyancy of “Cornbread” and the old time rhythm of “Jackson Station.” Conducive to dancing and swaying, the release is a record that, refreshingly, does not take itself too seriously. There is a comfort and ease in the material and lyrics; a perfect marriage of roots and jam allows the casual tone of the songs work anywhere from a back porch party to a packed club.

Even in their studio effort it is clear The Band of Heathens loves playing this music they create together. The five will continue their aggressive touring schedule supporting the new material and honor the relationship with their fans. The studio release will make their creative mélange more accessible to a variety of audiences in 2008 and solidify their reputation in the American music scene.

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