Article Contributed by Scott Kepnes
Published on 2026-02-18
The Band of Heathens: Country Sides
Some records hit like comfort food—simple on the surface, quietly nourishing, and somehow exactly what you needed. The Band of Heathens serve that kind of soul-satisfying warmth on Country Sides, an upcoming set of country-leaning Americana roots-rock that feels like a soundtrack for life’s long drive: love, doubt, reflection, home, and the quiet bravery it takes to keep going.
From first listen, we were pulled in by catchy melodies, harmonized choruses, and lyric imagery that lands clean and true. The songs feel fresh yet familiar—echoes of Lyle Lovett, Pure Prairie League, Van Morrison, and New Riders of the Purple Sage floating through the grooves. The production is solid and spacious: every instrument sits where it should, guitars and pedal steel weaving around the vocal lines, filling in the corners without crowding the room.
Track-by-track highlights
“No Direction” opens the album with a welcoming pulse—heartbeat drums, acoustic strum, and pedal steel embroidery that eases you right into the ride. The opening lines widen the horizon: “I’ve got a western way of leaving—a southern style believing—northern star for living—a weathered intuition…” By the time the chorus lands—“But I’ve got no direction if I can’t call you mine…”—the connection is complete.
“High on Our Own Supply” (already available on streaming and as a video via the band’s YouTube) sets a scene of building something together—ideas, shelter, purpose, and the spark that keeps a band (and a life) moving forward. It’s warm, communal, and lightly anthemic: “When you’re all alone—and need a song— we play rock and roll music—all night long.”
“She’s the Night” is the standout here—our personal favorite. Drums, bass, and acoustic guitar drive a rolling rhythm while electric guitar and haunting pedal steel add shadow and shine. The imagery is immediate and cinematic: “Black velvet sky—wearing her pearls—hanging like stars—with the weight of the world.” When the final chorus crests—“Start running from the sun…”—the harmonies bloom with a flash of Fleetwood Mac-style grandeur. It’s a highway song that puts you in the driver’s seat, hands on the wheel.
“Lead Don’t Follow” showcases soulful vocals and timeless, honest writing: “You came along—bird with the sweetest song that—blew the frost all away—Like the first day of spring…” With call-and-response backing vocals and a hook you’ll be singing by the second pass, this one feels destined to become a live highlight.
“Forever’s Not a Long Time” glides on a lovely melody, with keys/piano tucked perfectly into the mix. The drumming moves steady as a clock, and the triangle accents add just the right shimmer. The lyric turns are memorable, too: “I set the hook and pulled you in—The tractor beam begins to spin…”
“Finish Something I Started” is beautifully sung, with falsetto in the chorus adding dimension—tension and release—before settling back into the verse with ease.
“Pleasing People” gets to the point fast: “Put on a smile—clean up your face—lace up those shoes and—get in the race…” The chorus hits like hard-earned truth: “Of all the games that can’t be won—pleasing people is the hardest one.”
“Good as I Can Be” feels like a sing-along anthem built on forgiveness—of yourself, of your missteps, of the messy middle. “As good as I can be—baby that’s what I am.” Nobody’s perfect; keep moving anyway.
“Take the Cake” kicks up the tempo—honky-tonk swing with electric guitar and a piano solo that will pull the crowd right onto the dance floor. Boots will be stomping. Guaranteed.
“Just as Much” follows as the perfect counterweight: slower, tender, relationship-forward—this is the couple’s dance after the barroom spin.
“Letting Go” closes the album beautifully, tying the themes together with a sense of release and reflection. When it ends, the record feels more connected than it first appeared—like the songs have been talking to each other all along. It’s the kind of closer that makes you want to start the journey again from track one.
This review served as our introduction to The Band of Heathens, and it’s been a pleasure taking a deep dive into Country Sides—and then circling back to explore the earlier catalog. It’s easy to hear why the band has built such a loyal following over the past two decades. Count us among them.
Final thoughts: Country Sides is a perfect road-trip album—hooky, heartfelt, and built for the long view. Take the journey.
Tracklist
No Direction
High on Our Own Supply
She’s the Night
Lead Don’t Follow
Forever’s Not a Long Time
Finish Something I Started
Pleasing People
Good as I Can Be
Take the Cake
Just as Much
Letting Go
