The Band of Heathens from Simple Things

The Band of Heathens from Simple Things

The Band of Heathens (from Simple Things available on BCH Records) (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
A fiercely independent Roots Rock outfit hailing from, naturally enough, Austin, Texas, The Band of Heathens have always managed to follow their own instincts. It helped that their front line was made up of accomplished singer/songwriters with the savvy and sensibility to make music from a decidedly personal perspective. So too, they’ve never been constrained by the dictates of major label manipulation, given that they record for their own record label while remaining secure in their stature.

Consequently, the name of their new album, Simple Things, carries special significance. It consists of a series of songs that are all indicative of unbounded optimism. Not that the sentiments they share don’t deal in practical realities. ‘Lately, I’ve been asked some questions’ The Band of Heathens muse on the reserved and reflective title track. ‘On a high wire, the world below is on fire, And I can’t seem to get there in time to put it out’.

Yet, even in the midst of difficult circumstance, these songs also find them taking things in stride, as evidenced by the easy lope and affable attitude found in “Don’t Let the Darkness”, “I Got the Time”, “Damaged Goods”, and “Heartless Year”. Not that it suggests a real lack of urgency or determination. ‘When my head gets swimming like this, I need some real strong medicine’ they suggest on the stoic mid-tempo Country Rocker “The Good Doctor”. 
 
So too, despite any obvious uncertainty, clarity and confidence shine through at practically every turn, spreading sunny vibes throughout. In a sense, this may be The Band of Heathens’ most accessible effort to date, and yet, it’s not without substance. Rather, it’s a reflection of what it’s like to live in a particularly precarious time, where acceptance and perseverance are equally important attributes.

‘Don’t let the darkness get in front of you, you gotta just keep on moving, keep on pushing through’ they urge on the aforementioned opening track “Don’t Let the Darkness”, more or less establishing the mantra for the entire album. It’s good advice — vital advice even. In a difficult world, often it’s the simple things that provide a most essential anchor. (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
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