The group is lead by Erika Wennerstrom, who grew up listening to the likes of Guided by Voices and The Breeders.  As a teenager, seeing her heroes hanging out in local clubs inspired her to try music herself.  Though Wennerstrom’s powerful, husky voice makes it's hard to imagine her doubting her talents.

On "Arrow," Wennerstrom's fourth album with Heartless Bastards, her progression as a powerhouse of rock is obvious.  With simple tricks of the rock n roll trade-- catchy, repetitive hooks, strong, emotive vocals, and the intuitive knowledge of when to get quiet versus when to get really, really loud-- "Arrow" basks in all that is classic rock.  At the same time, the group manages to avoid sounding too much like anyone else because Wennerstrom's voice is so distinct.  Yet the album's strength doesn't just come from Wennerstrom.  The cohesiveness of the band this go-round (the group has been rearranged multiple times over the last 10 years) certainly played a part.  "Arrow" was also written fresh off of a month-long tour to best capture the group's live sound and is meant to evolve when performed live. Produced by Spoon's Jim Eno, and released on Partisan Records on February 14, the group's decisions to the make the album more like the live show and the live show more spontaneous have received glowing reviews.  "Arrow" will continue to morph as Heartless Bastards make their way across the country on their spring tour. 


Website: http://www.theheartlessbastards.com/
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/heartlessbastards

Set list
PARTED WAYS                                            
GOT TO HAVE ROCK AND ROLL                          
SIMPLE FEELING                              
SKIN AND BONE                              
               

Recent Release: Arrow   
Release Date: February 14, 2012
Label: Partisan Records
Band Origin: Cincinnati