Heartless Bastards

Buzz Bands LA on Heartless Bastards

Here are your Tuesday show options: ► Flume , the nom de tune of Sydney, Australia's Harley Streten, brings his electro constructs to the Echoplex, supported by Para One and Dauwd. That's his video for "Sleepless," above. ► It's an electro night at the Satellite too, with Ghastly — the nom de tune of David Crow — heading up a lineup that includes Draemings and Swan. ► Heartless Bastards bring their bluesy roar to the Troubadour, supported by Nashville's Jonny Fritz at the Troubadour more here

TheOwlMag on Heartless Bastards

Heartless Bastards The Mountain [Fat Possum]

Erika Wennerstrom is an explosive soul, raw and giving it all for the sake of Rock ‘n’ Roll. She sings, “It’s hard to get ahead when the center is bleeding…” and there’s no denying her struggle. The Mountain, as the title suggests, should be strong and virile, but there doesn’t seem to be any shortage of pain. And on “Nothing Seems the Same” there are hints that something’s just not right, and could easily fall apart. But, with delicate moments of optimism, such as “Hold Your Head High” the Heartless Bastards correct their wavering hope on a slow, steadfast barroom rocker – taking on a more resistant tone.

Wennerstrom’s wicked vocals propel an otherwise steady staple of southern blues rock from the outer swamp lands and into the world’s city centers. And while the final product isn’t pioneering, the Heartless Bastards do remind us that blues-rock still has something important to say. With Wennestrom’s intimate lyrics and rough and weary vocals leading the way, the Heartless Bastards have only their internal barriers to overcome – in their pursuit of the Rock ‘n’ Roll promise land.

TheOwlMag on Heartless Bastards

Heartless Bastards Arrow [Partisan Records]

I often gravitate to lady singers with deep, sultry, sometimes-hoarse voices. I’ve been anticipating getting my hands on the Heartless Bastards’, Arrow, for review ever since I caught wind of “Only For You” from KCRW’s music blog. Hearing Erika Wennestrom’s gorgeous voice is elating. Especially on such a velvety song made even more enrapturing by the combination of Wennestrom’s vocals and an aching guitar. In “Marathon,” the grit in Erika’s tone, paints a picture for me of long, tiring days of a weary traveler ready to go home. “Parted Ways” is rock and roll bliss. Arrow is a medley of songs that will have you cranking it up and tuning all else out.

While there have been a few versions of the band, at the core is Wennerstrom. Over the years she has artfully tweaked the valves of the band, always trying to achieve auditory harmony. One can only hope that Wennerstrom won’t feel the need to change the current lineup for a while, because I’d love to be stuck with these Bastards a little longer. It’s serendipitous that a band named Heartless Bastards, would be releasing an album on Valentines day of all days, but these bastards are liars, because they’re all heart.

Buzz Bands LA on Heartless Bastards

Around town tonight: ► Belter Erika Wennerstrom and Heartless Bastards hit the Echoplex behind their new album "Arrows," with David Vandervelde and Brian Lopez supporting. ► The Far West bring their twangy stylings to the Echo, with Jackson Tanner and Geronimo Getty opening. ► Bronze Swagger bring their funky psych-pop to the Bootleg Bar, heading up a big local lineup that includes Escalator Hill, Dylan Trees and Song Preservation Society. Also: more here

CultureMap Austin on Heartless Bastards

Led by sometimes sultry front woman Wennerstrom, Heartless Bastards’ sound is solid rock n’ roll. Her gravelly vocals fuel the fire for Heartless Bastards’ unique 4-piece sound: no tricky licks here, but you’ll find soulful, whining electric guitar along the way. more at CultureMap Austin

covertcuriosity on Heartless Bastards

Things Jenny Lewis has done: A Jello commercial The Twilight Zone Baywatch Golden Girls Growing Pains Just the Ten of Us Roseanne Mr. more at blogspot.com

covertcuriosity on Heartless Bastards

Sean Moeller, the creative force behind Daytrotter, is without a doubt one of the best music writers I have ever met, much less had the pleasure of sharing a cold beer with. more at blogspot.com

covertcuriosity on Heartless Bastards

The Akron, Ohio record label Audio Eagle (launched by Pat Carney of The Black Keys) has released a new compilation of songs from bands all across Ohio. more at blogspot.com

allmusic on Heartless Bastards

The Heartless Bastards are a power trio whose members have taken a no-frills approach to life and music. more at www.allmusic.com

CokeMachine on Heartless Bastards

Heartless Bastards have followed exactly none of their peers, neither the Black Keys’ reactionary path toward purity nor Liars’ didactic catapult toward guttural infinity nor anything between. If Stairs and Elevators, the Bastards’ 2005 debut, was noteworthy for its lived-in authenticity, for Erika Wonnerstrom’s quivering howls, and for its deft tunefulness, then All this Time finds the band sacrificing all of that album’s appeal at the altar of unabashedly populist songwriting. more at www.cokemachineglow.com

StylusMagazine on Heartless Bastards

Most of the songs pack light for the trip, with fairly simple yet meaningful guitar melodies and textures. more at www.stylusmagazine.com