Summary:Produced by Jim Eno of Spoon, Arrow is the fourth album for the Austin-based band from Ohio and its first on Partisan Records with new guitarist, Mark Nathan.
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Record Label:Partisan
Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock, Garage Punk, Indie Rock
While it's hard to shake Heartless Bastards' unforgettable prior release The Mountain (2009), Arrow is indeed pointed in the right direction with a fresh sound.
Gritty, soulful, thoughtful songs well-executed throughout; the band feels tightest it's ever been, like they've grown together. ErikaGritty, soulful, thoughtful songs well-executed throughout; the band feels tightest it's ever been, like they've grown together. Erika Wennerstrom is a highly competent, underrated songwriter. "Got To Have Rock And Roll", "Low Low Low", "Marathon" all remind us that folk-type music can still rock hard. (For my money in 2012, this LP beat AB Shakes' "Boys & Girls" by a mile...and it wasn't even that close.)…Expand
How to succeed in the music business is increasing difficult for indie groups like the Heartless Bastards. How about following up theirHow to succeed in the music business is increasing difficult for indie groups like the Heartless Bastards. How about following up their breakout album with something even better & then tour the hell out to spread the word. That is exactly what they are doing, old school.
Where "The Mountain", trekked the path of folk rock, "The Arrow" takes the gritter road of in your face rock and roll. What is most impressive about this album is that the music is not overshadowed by Erika's vocals but equally compliments. And they are not afraid to show off, with six of the ten tracks pushing five minutes plus. Add to mix the increasingly strong song writing and you have something very very special. Think about what Janis Joplin would sound like if she grew up listening to Neil Young and Led Zeppelin and you have this album. Check out the tour dates for this band & see them perform what I consider their best album to date.…Expand
This album sounds great, as if someone had invented indie rock in the 70s . Her voice is beautiful, especially in gems like "Only for you".This album sounds great, as if someone had invented indie rock in the 70s . Her voice is beautiful, especially in gems like "Only for you". From "Marathon", the opening track, to "Down in the Canyon", this is going to be a true journey for your ears, a journey in which you are constantly reminded of how a guitar should be played.…Expand
Brilliant album, very solid effort with only one or two tracks I'd consider as ordinary. There's a few great rock tunes but It's the slowerBrilliant album, very solid effort with only one or two tracks I'd consider as ordinary. There's a few great rock tunes but It's the slower tracks I really warmed too from this one. "Low Low Low" is a sweet little folk tune, some great banjo-Americana awesomeness matched with Erika Wennerstrom's roughish vocals makes me day dream of open roads and endless grassy fields. "Only for You" makes be stop and swoon. I'm new to the band and look forward to back tracking to their previous efforts. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful.…Collapse
Although on the Heartless Bastards' album - "Arrow" there're only 10 tracks, it's interesting - sometimes minimalist and subdued songs such asAlthough on the Heartless Bastards' album - "Arrow" there're only 10 tracks, it's interesting - sometimes minimalist and subdued songs such as "Marathon" and "The Arrow Killed The Beast" in conjunction with climatic timbre of singer's voice gives total quite strong position . Erika Wennerstrom and the band ain't limited to one genre and serve us for ex. based on country motifs "Low Low Low", catchy "Simple Feeling" or indie rock "Parted Ways" and reminiscent of The Black Keys "Only for You".…Expand
