Erika Wennerstrom has always been the defining force behind Heartless Bastards, but with the band’s third incarnation in the last three albums, it seems that they have found a comfortable direction in which to go. The former three piece is now a four piece with the addition of guitarist Mark Nathan. Together with a top notch rhythm section that includes Jesse Ebaugh on bass and Dave Colvin on drums, the once chaos now has a refined taste, while keeping it’s original flare.

With the band’s last effort, The Mountain, Wennerstrom traded in a lot of the reverb for polished production, and a band that had an initial idea of where it was going, but just didn’t get there. With Arrow, and a new backing band, the direction is much more focused. The reverb is back, a bit more controlled, but it’s there, bridging the greatness of their first two albums (Stairs and Elevators, All This Time), with the good portions of The Mountain.

The listener can tell that Wennerstrom wears her influences on her sleeve; with tracks like “Parted Ways” and “Late in the Night,” the Stones era early 70’s R&B pop it’s head in, while T. Rex shows up for “Got to Have Rock and Roll.” “Skin and Bone” recollects Led Zeppelin III, in it’s acoustic environment, while at the same time grounding itself in the White Stripes’ greatest acoustic moments. The addition of the pedal steel on “The Arrow Killed the Best,” recalls the ghosts of country’s past, with a Doors “Riders on the Storm” feel weaved within. Wennerstrom herself sounds like a young Grace Slick, minus the drugs, and with songwriting skills that would make the aforementioned shit her pants.

Whether it’s the three piece or the four piece (If it’s chicken, you can’t go wrong with a four piece), the band is heading to a place where it’s comfortable to follow, and in doing so will allow for a more enjoyable ride. With all the influences combined, it doesn’t sound like a band struggling to find it’s identity, instead, it sounds like a natural progression, compelling in it’s influences, and lush in it’s originality.

Album Rating: Buy It on CD or Vinyl

Listening Co-efficient: Passive Listen

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