New Heathens “Heathens Like Me” (Independent 2006)

Superior slice of American roots rock

Sometimes it’s hard to get excited about another CD from another band who sound as if they’d be good fun in a club but who are deluded enough to think that an album would have the same effect. And sometimes such a band will surprise you and come up with the goods. New Heathens are a straightforward rock band with nothing new in terms of riffs, boogies or basic tunes. Their influences are plain to see, Stones, Graham Parker, Springsteen, The Faces, Drive By Truckers and any number of classic roots rockers. However the writing and execution of their songs raise this album above the parapet until its crying out for a major label release.

Led by New York journalist Nate Schweber, the band swing confidently throughout the album. Schweber, author of all the songs bar one, has a winning way with a story and sings with conviction. July 1, Near Helena Mt. is a cracking tale of college boys farting about with gasoline and tears along with a magnificent guitar break. Red White and Blue is an anthem to the modern protester, a fast R’n’B charged rant with a knowing nod to the Stones sixties anthem Street Fighting Man. Maudlin bar songs are tackled in When She’s Wasted, a role reversal tale of a drunken partner. Top this off with an amphetamine fuelled gospel song, Back To Jesus and a neo psychedelic homage to the god of Gonzo, Hunter Thompson, in Doomed Generation and you have a an album that deserves a listen. Closing track, For Crying Out Loud, written by The Yahoos’ Keith Christopher stomps along with crunching guitars and is the best Faces song the Faces never recorded.

Date review added:  Monday, October 30, 2006
Reviewer:  Paul Kerr
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  band website