A standout group for their consistently raw, blues-based rock, Heartless Bastards is heralded as one of the most promising acts out of the indie scene of Cincinnati, Ohio. Guitarist and songwriter Erika Wennerstrom fronts the group with a sprawling voice that echoes the influence of Neil Young, Otis Redding and MC5.
On her introspective third album, The Mountain, Wennerstrom's strong vocals suggest well-worn emotion that simultaneously exudes both strength and grief. It's a departure from their brighter, garage rock sophomore album, All This Time, and chronicles a move from Ohio to Wennerstrom's new home of Austin, Texas.
Wennerstrom shepherds a new live band including bassist Jesse Ebaugh and original Heartless Bastards drummer Dave Colvin to complete the line-up for their ongoing tour.
This segment originally ran March 14, 2009.
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