No 83: The Band Of Heathens

If you're in the mood for some twangy, shit kickin' tunes in the vein of The Band and Little Feat, The Band of Heathens might just be for you. One of the breakout local artists from the Austin, TX music scene, The Band Of Heathens is a collective of local musicians that jelled over the open mics of Austin bar, Momo's. The members each performed there every Wednesday and often collaborated with each other on one another's songs. The guys had so much fun and recieved such rave reviews that eventually Ed Jurdi (guitar, keys, vocals), Gordy Quist (guitar, vocals), Seth Whitney (bass, vocals), Colin Brooks (guitar, vocals), and John Chipman (drums, vocals) officially formed the band in 2006 and have been on the road ever since playing all over the globe. Their sound is a grateful departure from most of the other bands that have been reviewed so far that just seem to be at the fest to please the Gaga faithful. With songs about cornbread and roach motels, the Heathens keep it simple without becoming too country. They released One Foot in the Ether on Sept. 15th, 2009 containing songs that garner comparisons to Mofro, The Wood Brothers, and even Widespread Panic. I can definitely see them as a band I will seek out if their time slot agrees with me.

Myspace

www.bandofheathens.com