Heartless Bastards // Live @ Crescent Ballroom // 10.18.15 -

Article and Photos by: Jason Robey

Fans at the Crescent Ballroom in Phoenix, AZ saw more than just a rock show when Austin’s Heartless Bastards made their tour stop there on Sunday night—they experienced a 90-minute emotional and musical journey from the eyes of singer/guitarist Erika Wennerstrom.

The packed house came alive with enthusiastic cheering as the band took stage and lead guitarist Mark Nathan began strumming the opening chords of “The Mountain,” the title track from their 2009 album. The laid-back opening number also featured Jesse Ebaugh on a pedal steel guitar, before spending the rest of the evening in his usual role as bass player.

Throughout the set, Wennerstrom switched between electric and acoustic guitars, even spending a couple songs free of instruments, allowing her body to move about the stage, while her beautiful, bluesy voice filled the room.

Nine of the set’s 18 songs came from the band’s new album, Restless Ones, released in June. The crowd was very receptive to the new material, particularly “Wind Up Bird,” on which drummer Dave Colvin had a chance to shine, and “Hi-Line,” the latest single/video.

The intensity came to a dramatic peak with the band’s two-song encore, ending with “Tristessa,” when Nathan strummed his final chord of the night, left his guitar ringing on stage and the other members left Wennerstrom alone to sing the closing dramatic verses of a show that was bigger than the venue it was in.

Slothrust filled the opening slot well, playing to an unusually large crowd for openers at this venue. Vocalist/guitarist Leah Wellbaum channeled the best of 90s grunge kings and queens like Kurt Cobain and Kim Gordon, while remaining genuine and unique. Wellbaum and the rest of the band came off as seasoned pros for this audience, while managing to create a feeling of going to check out your friend’s band at a house party.