Band of Heathens
(BOH Records)
Referencing classic Americana on their self-titled studio debut, the Band of Heathens were cast into the company of retro wannabes whose good intentions did little to single them out from the competition. It's fortuitous, then, that with their sophomore set they morph their roots rock regimen into a potpourri of blues, soul and a swampier sound.
They still allude to that other "Band, the Band, of course, and the new album's "L.A. County Blues," "What's This World" and "Look At Miss Ohio" clearly reaffirm those references. However, this time around they expand their parameters, taking a journey up the Mississippi with "Golden Calf," jockeying up like an old time gospel choir on "Shine a Light" and taking a funk-fueled furlough via "You're Gonna Miss Me" and "Somebody Tell Me The Truth." Switching up the tempo from the sound of unhurried shuffles to weary refrains, the group provides the usual rustic embellishment - banjo, Wurlitzer piano, dobro, mandolin, lap steel and forlorn vocals - as to affirm their intent towards a retro feel. An album that echoes their down-home resolve, One Foot in the Ether finds them putting their best foot forward.
Standout tracks: "Golden Calf," "Shine a Light" LEE ZIMMERMAN
