The Heartless Bastards played Chicago earlier this year and, if their new album The Mountain is any indication, I wish I would have been there to see it. On The Mountain the trio dishes out some seriously blues-driven roots rock that certainly references Led Zeppelin and the early 70’s in more than a few places. The guitars and grooves are think like molasses and aside from the howling vocals of singer/guitarist Erika Wennerstrom (easily the most remarkable part of the band), the most noticeable thing about the band is their pacing.
For whatever reason, the Heartless Bastards never feel the need to push the pace much higher than a stomping simmer, maybe because it’s those languid tempos and plodding rhythms are what the Heartless Bastards do best. Don’t get me wrong, though, the band isn’t one dimensional. By augmenting their standard guitar, bass, and drums with the likes of steel guitar, mandolin, banjo, and fiddle, Wennerstrom and company have both upped the ante and embraced their Ohio roots. It’s like Janis Joplin vs. Led Zeppelin at a honky tonk and (lucky for us listeners) is way more than just rudimentary four-chord blues-rock. The band is playing Chicago’s Bottom Lounge on Friday. I’ll be there. You should check ‘em out as well.
MP3 | Heartless Bastards – The Mountain The Mountain
I caught them the last time they were in town and I’ve gotta say, it was an awesome show. Watch the dynamics between Wennerstrom and bassist Jesse Ebaugh, they play off one another and you can feel it. They’re mesmerizing, have a great time, xoxo
I discovered them through your blog a couple of years ago and have been a big fan ever since. I’d definitely recommend catching them live if you have the opportunity- afterwards, it’s almost a shame to listen to the album. Not that it’s not good, because it is, but they really are an amazing live act.