Fat Possum

AA Bondy just released the title track from his upcoming album, When The Devil’s Loose, due out Sept 1 via Fat Possum Records. He’s making a departure from the solo, acoustic sounds of his debut American Hearts. On When The Devil’s Loose, Bondy is moving into full band territory and we’re beyond excited to have him (and the band) scheduled for another live session later this summer. If you haven’t already, head over to hear our first live session with AA Bondy.

AA Bondy – When The Devil’s Loose

From American Hearts:

AA Bondy – There’s A Reason

AA Bondy – Vice Rag

Erika Wennerstrom moved to Austin, picked up a new rhythm section and yesterday just released her best and most ambitious album to date. I have been infatuated with the Heartless Bastards since first hearing Stairs and Elevators in 2004. Erika’s voice has the perfect combination of power and fragility that keeps you hanging on every word.

It’s her voice that captivates me on songs like “Be So Happy,” a simple tune backed by an acoustic guitar arrangement. It’s the  standout on the album for me, but The Mountain also introduces a host of new instruments not normally heard on a Heartless Bastards album. Throughout this release you’ll hear banjo, fiddle, mandolin sprinkled throughout. Producer Mike McCarthy, who has worked with Spoon, really opened up the band added a little something to their bag of tricks. As for the rhythm section, they bring a little extra oomph to the proceedings. On “Wide Awake,” Jesse Ebaugh lays down a furious bass line and Dave Colvin isn’t shy about laying down his own powerful flourishes on the kit.

The Mountain is much more polished than the Heartless Bastards’ prior two releases, but the production is accomplished in a way that doesn’t abandon the sound that has drawn thousands of fans to their bluesy, throwback sound. Much like The Black Keys’ latest release, Attack & Release, The Mountain is another successful effort from a native-Ohio band.

Website | MySpace | Fat Possum

Heartless Bastards – The Mountain

Cincinnati’s Heartless Bastards are all set to release their third album, The Mountain, on February 3rd via Fat Possum Records.  The album is said to have the powerful howl that fans expect from the Heartless Bastards, but also weaves in mandolins, banjos, and strings. Erika Wennerstrom could sing the phone book and I’d listen.  

The album’s title track was released this morning.

MySpace | Fat Possum

Heartless Bastards – Mountain