No surprises at this show, as far as Heartless Bastards are concerned. Erika Wennerstrom and her merry band came on stage, melted face, and ruled the medium-sized crowd with good old fashioned Southern rock and roll, Black Lips style but with a feel all their own. They’re just such a solid band. And solid is the right word in every way. Impenetrable, present, staid. Even if it does lack a little excitement, it’s a good show.
The Builders and The Butchers were an unexpected delight. They play the kind of music that really good musicians who are bored with indie rock and don’t care about being cool anymore play. Incorporating old time and bluesy feels, multiple percussionists, and electric mandos and banjos, they play a nice hybrid of country rock. If it isn’t entirely original or gets a bit repetitive, it doesn’t matter. They play with boundless, boundless energy. The builds and swells captured the entire audience, most of whom seemed unfamiliar with the band. I’m now puzzled by the fact that they haven’t gotten more attention. If you value excellence in live music, then this is a band that you need to see. Check out the photos right here at Impose.
