The Band of Heathens
You’ve heard it said that first impressions are everything. If that’s true, then Austin’s The Band of Heathens have found a fitting introduction with their self-titled first studio effort.
The boys are well-worn in the live scene, garnering an avid following in the short years since their transformation from standalone songwriters to an accomplished quintet. With two live discs under the belt and a rising star in the live music capital of the world, the band’s reputation precedes this record. In fact, I was so stunned that this is their first studio disc.
Drawing upon their live album from Antone’s, the disc features a batch of new songs dabbled with old favorites–something of a balancing act producer Ray Wylie Hubbard successfully employs to engage those familiar with the band’s live shows while introducing the rest of us to their energy. From the opening bell (”Don’t Call On Me”) to the finale (”Hallelujah”), Hubbard captures the essential ebb and flow of a live setlist without the usual dilution that studio work can bring.
Something of a songwriting supergroup, the Heathens lent great support to Hubbard by writing every song the record. While this isn’t a prerequisite in an era when good looks are more important than good material, it belies a great confidence. That irreverent buck of the corporate truck is apparent from their willingness to release an eponymous album on their own label filled with material they wrote. Hell, they’re even good country songs which inevitably means Nashville will certainly ignore them due to the lack of a rapping midget or the fact that they don’t bother hiding their intelligence. You’d have to go a long way to find another band with better material on their first record.
The resulting vintage goodness is a nostalgic, familiar feeling for even in the newly-initiated listener. Like a reassuring handshake from a stranger, this introduction might be the start of a long relationship.
The Band of Heathens will be available on May 20, 2008 from their own label. Visit http://www.bandofheathens.com for more information.
BONUS:
Don’t Call On Me