The Band of Heathens: Self Titled
2008 BOH Records
Produced by Ray Wylie Hubbard

1. Don’t Call on Me
2. Jackson Station
3. Maple Tears
4. Heart on my Sleeve
5. Second Line
6. 40 Days
7. This I Know
8. Unsleeping Eye
9. Cornbread
10. Nine Steps Down
11. Hallelujah

Another band emerging from the Austin music scene bringing Alt-Country or Americana released their third album recently. The self-titled third album has the backing of Americana legend Ray Wylie Hubbard as its producer. Three of the band members write all the lyrics. Additionally, the album is printed on recycled or post consumed materials, which unimportant to the music is a nice thing to see. The album opens with Don’t Call on Me, an Alt-Country opening track that sounded too familiar to related bands. Jackson Station adds an additional vocalist and introduces a blues mix into the sound (Second Line is similar but adds the pump organ and mandolin). Maple Tears is a pretty ballad song with a female vocalist (Patty Griffin) backing. Heart on my sleeve is a rock love song that sounds too familiar to other Texas Country I have heard but still nice. 40 Days is a beautiful love ballad with the addition of a piano to the forte. Unsleeping Eye is a great bluesy rock song. Cornbread, features Ray Wylie on vocals and slide guitar, and is a good Americana track. Nine Steps Down may not be my favorite on the CD but I think it may be the catchiest and a good radio play song. The final track Hallelujah wraps up a solid album. Overall, I think The Band of Heathens is a wonderful addition to the Americana scene and this album has a nice variety of the different sounds and vocal variety. And from what I have read of their performances at Antone’s in Austin, a great band to see live.