Hayes & The Heathens - Hayes & The Heathens (2024)

Native Texans Hayes Carll and members of The Band of Heathens have been friends for a long time and both play a distinct brand of Americana (Carll’s is more folk based and The Heathens more rock focused). They’ve even collaborated on and off over the years, but the self-titled Hayes & The Heathens is the first time they have all put out a full record together. “Our collaboration was so natural and easy,” says The Band of Heathens’ Ed Jurdi. “We’ve been great compadres for such a long time, and it was just the right time for this project to come to life. I think you can really hear all of that in the music. This is really that rare alliance where 1+1 = 3.” Across eight tracks, seven of which they wrote together, the group pulls together a fantastic collection that plays up the strength of each. “Nobody Dies From Weed,” one of the strongest songs, shows off Carll’s trademark witty lyrics and boasts some truly impressive harmonies. Hayes & The Heathens deliver the album we never knew we needed, but one you likely won’t be able to stop listening to this fall.