Free Radio SF

I just can't wait anymore. I haven't been this excited about a band since...damn, it's been a while. Well, Midlake got me excited last year, but only about three or four songs initially. It took a few listens to get into their entire sophomore release. Not this time.

The Heartless Bastards have blown me away from the very first power chord, to the last wail of vocalist Erika Wennerstrom. Seriously, even with the name; especially with name! 

On Tuesday, Mikl-em asked me if I had heard them before? He compared them to a rocking version of Blondie, with a little Cat Power thrown in for good measure. By Wednesday I was hooked.  

Erika's voice is deep, powerful and adicting. She shouts like Debbie Harry, but slings that Gibson axe like she was born playing power chords.

Originally from Dayton, Ohio, home fo such rock luminaries as Kim Deal, Guided By Voices, Ohio Players, and Rick Derringer; Wennerstrom moved to Cincinnati and began the band with Mike Lamping on bass, and Kevin Vaughn on drums. This is power trio at their finest. 

There's a lot of gritty blues in Wennerstrom's voice, but the sond of this second CD "All This Time" is very open and personal. The energy I feel in this CD is powerful and infectious. Released in 2006 (I'm so late for this train) on Fat Possum, "All This Time" features 12 very original tracks, all written by Wennerstrom. The band produced the CD as well, which just goes to show that DIY can kick the crap out of any major label any day of the week. The question is, how long will take for a major to gobble them up?

If you listen to commercial radio, then you have probably missed this band. Do yourself a favor and tune into college radio, or check out hype-non-standard for music on blogs. There is some amazing music out there you are not listening to...yet.

Check out the video for "All This Time" here. 

Enjoy.