Top Hat Crown & the Clapmaster's Son

iTunes Review

When they formed in 2005 the Band of Heathens was strictly a live performance group that played regularly around their hometown of Austin. But with Top Hat Crown & the Clapmaster’s Son, their third studio release, they have grown into a strong album-oriented band as well. Led by a trio of songwriters, guitarists, and singers — Ed Jurdi, Colin Brooks, and Gordy Quist — their sound is centered on rich vocals and soulful three-part harmonies. Backing the three-guitar attack is a dynamic rhythm section featuring bass, drums, and solid piano and organ work plus some banjo, harmonica, and slide guitar. The band plays gritty, funky American roots music native to Texas and the Gulf Coast region, as best heard on the swampy rocker “Medicine Man,” the foot-stomping country soul of “Should Have Known,” and the gospel vibe of “The Other Broadway” and “Gravity.” Elsewhere, “Polaroid” is jangly mid-tempo country rock, “Hurricane” is slow-burning blues, and “Gris Gris Satchel” is a stripped-down acoustic ballad with gorgeous vocals. Anchored by robust songwriting and energetic performances, this is regional roots rock done extremely well.