The story of Heartless Bastards goes something like this, formed in 2003 in Cincinnati they were discovered in 2004 by the Black Keys’ Patrick Carney playing a gig in Akron, OH. Since then the band, which has become centered around the songwriting of Erika Wennerstrom, has relocated to Brooklyn and spent the bulk of their time trying to get back to the roots of rock ‘n’ roll. Their artistic direction has earned them comparisons to the aforementioned Keys, and in the case of their latest LP Arrow the comparison is warranted. It’s the first album with the current lineup in place and the Bastards seem to be on to something here, indeed this is some of the finest work to come out under the moniker.
Heartless Bastards offer a contrast to the ever increasingly digitized world of independent music, playing with a traditional guitar, bass, drum set up which is more than enough to give Wennerstrom’s voice flight. She’s got the vocal chops to elevate Arrow beyond just another indie rock record, and oftentimes whilst listening I just couldn’t understand how this band hasn’t become much bigger.
Anyone in search of some solid guitar music will have a lot to cheer for with Arrow. "Parted Ways" is an easy going number that features some serious Tom Petty-like work from guitarist Mark Nathan, while "Skin and Bone", "Only For You" and "Low Low Low" are drifting acoustic numbers that still manage to sound loud despite their gentle building blocks, they’re definitely some of the more refined material ever churned out by Wennerstrom’s group.
Those looking for no nonsense thrills will have several tracks to choose from as well. "Got to Have Rock and Roll" is pretty much a Black Keys tune in disguise, while "Late In the Night" is a garage infused hard rocker that’s sure to put some fists in the air. "Down in the Canyon" is a little bit metal, its muddy, chugging pace is something unexpected and totally welcome to close things down.
Arrow works so well because there’s not a whole lot to it, just some memorable guitar riffs, great lyrical content and some solid songwriting. It’s a reminder that even in the computer powered age of modern music sometimes newer does not equal better. Heartless Bastards are using a tried and true formula that countless rock bands before them have used, and it seems to be serving them just fine.
Grade: B+
~Steve Dobek
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