The Band of Heathens – Remote Transmissions, Vol. 1
On Remote Transmissions, Vol. 1, The Band of Heathens bring on a series of guests for a collection of covers reminiscent of recent Shovels & Rope Broken Jukebox series. Playing to their bluesy rock strengths, this collection bristles with bar band energy and road dog delight. Margo Price joins on Lucinda Williams’ “Joy.” The Heathens draw forth the swamp while Margo leans into her gritty drawl; in the end them summon a version as angsty and mysterious as Lucinda’s original. “I don’t want you anymore cause you took my, you took my joy I want it back,” cries out the simple refrain – pain exposed in sparse lyrics delivered with authenticity.
“Papa Was a Rolling Stone” with Ray Wylie Hubbard takes on the expected Texas blues slant one has come to expect from Ray Wylie. Todd Snider shares in an endearing, if somewhat subdued, take on Guy Clark’s “L.A. Freeway” – still a lesson in seamless songwriting for any budding artist.
Butch Walker joins The Heathens for a take on “Night Moves” that would make the original Silver Bullet proud. The Band leans into Hayes Carll’s ragged but right and loose singer-songwriters approach to Dylan’s “Man in Me” while Robert Ellis turns in a piano driven take on Petty’s “Walls” with hints of pop rock perfection peppered into the mix.
The Band of Heathens is Ed Jurdi (vocals and guitars), Gordy Quist (vocals and guitars), Trevor Nealon (Keys and Vocals), Richard Millsap (Drums and Vocals), and Jesse Wilson (Bass and Vocals). Working under pandemic conditions, each band member recorded and produced their own piece of the project remotely. Even given this recording hardship, this collection sounds fresh, lived in, and beckons the listener to join The Heathens in communal reflection.
Remote Transmissions, Vol. 1 was mixed by Jim Vollentine at The Finishing School and mastered by Fred Kevorkian.
One of the best things about Remote Transmissions, Vol. 1 is that it implies a Remote Transmissions Vol. 2! So, like a binge worth series don’t miss out on season one before season two comes along; give The Band of Heathens’ latest effort a listen today.
https://bandofheathens.com