Austin’s The Band of Heathens close out 2020 with the “Vietnorm” video, which offers a nostalgic and psychedelic look at a time long gone by. “Vietnorm” is the opening track from the band’s critically acclaimed album Stranger, which is out now.
Stranger has earned raves since its release in September. Praise includes:
“’Stranger’ is a warm, enveloping album with a positive message of understanding and compassion that’s just right for the times….” – Rolling Stone Country
“…this particular ‘Stranger ‘speaks volumes, and, in turn, beckons us all to listen.”
– American Songwriter
“’Stranger’ manages to be another impressively stellar album from a band that has made a career out of churning out stellar albums.” – Glide
“… the quality of the songs is greatly enhanced by the performances. This is a group with five vocalists who understand the importance of harmony. “ – PopMatters
Throughout the pandemic, The Band of Heathens has been hosting a free weekly livestream called the Good Time Supper Club, which was highlighted in Billboard, NBC News and Austin American Statesman. Over time, they have fine-tuned a format that has turned into a celebrated weekly event. In addition to live music and special guests (Margo Price, Raul Malo, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Todd Snider, Hayes Carll to name a few) they offer conversation, album reviews, themed segments and more. The band plans to continue the Good Time Supper Club in 2021.
About the Good Time Supper Club, Heathens’ Ed Jurdi said, “It’s almost like we’re inviting people into the van so you can follow some of the conversations that we have. If we were hanging out, there would be songs being passed around, people would be telling stories. I also thought it was a really good way for us to be able to interact with the audience, as opposed to just singing and not engaging with people.”
The Band of Heathens recorded Stranger with Tucker Martine (The Decemberists, My Morning Jacket) in Portland, OR. With Martine at the helm, Stranger emphasizes songcraft and intricate arrangements set in a spacious sonic landscape that reinvents the band’s sound. The songs teem with the emotion borne of personal experience, as has been The Band of Heathens’ method from the very start. Stranger moves off into a new place, but still echoes the group’s artful songwriting and multi-layered narrative observations. Martine’s influence amplifies the unique voice that The Band of Heathens has created throughout their celebrated career, making Stranger their most engaging release thus far.
