The first release from Heartless Bastards in over six years was almost a solo album from frontwoman Erika Wennerstrom, but she ultimately felt it tied nicely back into the band’s journey over the last decade and a half. The Heartless Bastards have constantly evolved but Wennerstrom has been consistent, the outfits voice, heart, and soul; A Beautiful Life puts those perpetually on display.
There is a wide-eyed optimism throughout the album that seems to be struggling with the current fractured world. Opener “Revolution” begins with rebellious thoughts over clear Bob Dylan inspired modern-day protest folk, before shifting into direct Beatles influenced full-band pop, repeating over and over that, “The revolution is in your head”. The title track is content to be sweetly laid back, repeating that the world is a beautiful place…if you just let it be, these are not the most strident calls to arms during these turbulent times. Wennerstrom’s simplistic directive to “lift each other up, or let each other be” finds better footing during the strutting groove of “How Low” while “Dust” grapples with knowing nothing in the face of the vast scale of the universe, over rising strings and vocal swells.
Supporting Wennerstrom on this record are some dynamite players. Guitarist Lauren Gurgiolo (Okkervil River), drummer Greggory Clifford (White Denim), multi-instrumentalist Jesse Chandler (Mercury Rev, Midlake), keyboardist Bo Koster (My Morning Jacket), guitarist David Pulkingham (Patty Griffin), and bassist Jesse Ebaugh all contribute to the albums rich sounds.
From the gorgeous acoustic flamenco work on “You Never Know” to Andrew Bird and setar virtuoso Fared Shafinury contributing to the swelling “The River”, the instrumentation is spotlessly recorded by Danny Reisch and co-produced by Wennerstrom and Kevin Ratterman (Strand Of Oaks, Jim James, White Reaper).
Two tracks receive extra layers of sound as “Went Around The World” infuses hip-hop beats with success while “When I Was Younger” goes overboard on the strings and piano. Better is the multi-tiered rocker “Photograph” which expertly shifts from twanged opening riffs to psych-rock swirling jam, before a groovy arena-ready conclusion.
The finale arrives with “The Thinker”, a contemplative reflection of Wennerstrom’s career (also a direct recall of “Revolution’s” Beatles and Dylan influences), stating she has done it all for love and would do it all over again. Wennerstrom has been quoted as saying that A Beautiful Life “In many ways feels like a rebirth”, as she continues her musical journey, trying to experience, and produce, some beauty along the way.
