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BAND OF HEATHENS
self-titled
(BOH)

(NO DEPRESSION.NET) -- With its triple-guitarist/singer/songwriter approach to southern-fried roots-rock, Austin's Band Of Heathens draws quick comparisons to the Drive-By Truckers, although their debut marks them as being quite memorable in their own right. Gruff-voiced Colin Brooks serves up the bluesy "Cornbread" and the big-riffed rocker "Heart On My Sleeve". Ed Jurdi's contributions include the rousing opener "Don't Call On Me" (think the Eagles with Texas roadhouse grit) and the introspective love song "40 Days". Gordy Quist supplies the Little Feat-grooved "Unsleeping Eye" and the melancholic romantic ballad "Maple Tears". With their wealth of wonderful tunes, it's easy to see why Texas music great Ray Wylie Hubbard signed on to produce this fabulous first effort.

-- MICHAEL BERICK
Copyright c. 2008 No Depression Inc. and/or Michael Berick.