Estatísticas
Biografia
Originally a four-piece focused around the songwriting and vocal prowess of Erika Wennerstrom, the band played their first show at The Comet, a bar in Northside, Cincinnati in 2003. The four-piece however didn’t last long and Wennerstrom enlisted the talents of drummer Kevin Vaughn, and bassist Mike Lamping and became a roots-rock three piece. After playing number of shows that highlighted Erika Wennerstrom’s enviable fable-telling delivery, and utilising a connection with The Black Keys’ Patrick Carney, Heartless Bastards signed with Pat Possum Records in 2004. The band released their debut album “Stairs and Elevators” in 2005 to a positive response from Rolling Stone and The Village Voice. Featuring heavy blues-orientated guitar riffs and candid belted vocals, the album led to an impressive touring schedule.
In 2006 Heartless Bastards released their sophomore album “All This Time” to critical acclaim and became one of the most respected bands of 2005. The album led to supporting slots for Wilco and Lucinda Williams, after which Wennerstrom folded the band, due to a personal relationship with Lamping turning sour.
In 2008, a new home in Austin, Texas, U.S., and a new line-up featuring old members “Jess Ebaugh and Dave Colin, was announced. A year later Heartless Bastards released their third full-length album “The Mountain”, produced by Spoon producer Mike McCarthy. With a greater focus on the accoutrements of country music, including the violin, banjo and steel guitar, the album saw the band expand their sound as well as their audience.
Shortly afterwards the band announced they were signing to Partisan Records and invited Spoon percussionist Jim Eno to produce their subsequent release. Led by the single “Parted Ways”, the full-length “Arrow” was issued in early 2012 and charted at No. 78 on the Billboard 200.
Avaliações ao vivo
AMAZING SHOW!!! I missed the first song (kicking myself). The energy on stage was contagious. I saw Heartless Bastards in Boston a few years ago. That was really great, but last night's show blows it away. Erika seemed so much more at ease and confident, and her talent really shone through. So glad these four musicians found each other. They are an excellent combination. I found myself taking turns focusing on each member - one at a time, b/c they are all so impressive. Not sure who the new girl is, but her piano, percussion, back-up vocals and enthusiasm also added just the perfect touch! Thank you Heartless Bastards!
The Heartless Bastards at Webster Hall summoned some deep Rock Ghosts. They respected the elders and embraced the new.
Erika seemed to lose herself in the music (in a good way) as the night moved forward. And she opened with a recording of her late grandmother singing, like we were family!
I'm also 99% sure that a couple on the upper level sofa was having sex. But they were able to keep time with the music: a testament to the rhythm section....
Erica masked her discomfort of the spotlight with a booming voice that mesmerized the small but enthusiastic crowd. After a night of sound issues at the City Winery, the set was powerful from beginning to end. The Bastards introduced us to their upcoming August album in it's entirety while pleasing fans with outstanding work on "Parted Ways", "Skin & Bone", "Low,Low,Low."
Amazing show! Very talented band and she can really belt out the vocals. I can't believe these guys aren't playing arenas but I'm kind of glad because I love watching them in smaller venues. Top 5 show of any band in the past couple years.