Immensely popular Austin-based musicians THE BAND OF HEATHENS take one more step beyond their Texas borders when they unveil their self-titled studio release. The five “rough around the edges” members of THE BAND OF HEATHENS have a grit and authenticity reminiscent of other notable fan-driven rock bands like Little Feat, The Band, The Black Crowes and Drive-By-Truckers.

Known for their live recordings, the Heathens present a polished studio debut that showcases the individuals who came together partly by accident and marks their actualization into a unified band. The Heathens’ brand of rock ‘n’ roll Americana soon garnered the Austin Music Awards “Best New Band of the Year” accolade in 2007. Produced by Ray Wylie Hubbard, the studio release features guests Stephen Bruton, Patty Griffin and Gurf Morlix. With no single front man, Ed Jurdi, Gordy Quist and Colin Brooks are each showcased in their vocal delivery, songwriting and guitar interplay. The unified front downstage is cemented by a heavy groove courtesy of Seth Whitney on bass and John Chipman on drums. Chipman, who also plays with another Austin favorite, The Resentments, was voted for "Best Drummer" at the 2008 Austin Music Awards ceremony.

Blue Rose took the chance and signed the band for a europeanwide record deal directly right off the stage in Austin in March 2008. The debut studio album will be available on two formats - the regular CD comes in a jewel case, the limited deluxe edition features a multi panel digipak with a poster booklet and additional photos and contains a bonus disc: a DVD with a 80 minute show, recorded at "Antone's" in June 2007.

Live at Antone's shows why the quintet captured 2007's Best New Band at the Austin Music Awards. It's true that it was the first time they ever used a set list, but like all of their shows, this performance was an exhilarating mix of familiar tunes and some that were previously unrecorded. Throughout the Heathens' refined brand of soul, folk and country shines in a new way.

Quist explains that the Austin Music Awards verified what other's had seen, but the band's members hadn't caught on to. "We thought of it as a side project for a long time," he relates. "But right around the time we won that award, we got serious about being a band." Brooks chimes in, "To be embraced like that by Austin was astounding. I certainly feel more at home in this band now, and that includes my own band, than I have in any other band." While appreciative of the award, Jurdi may be the voice of reason among them. "I'm not sure winning the award made much of a difference," he asserts. "What we're experiencing just may be a natural progression, in terms of songwriting and arranging for the band."

One thing is for certain, what the Heathens do now sounds and feels more like a band. It's something you can experience while watching Live at Antone's on DVD. They shine on new tunes like "Rehab Facility" and "Blood In The Water." Songs like the raucous "Jenny Was A Keeper" and the dripping with soul "Bumblebee," - both of which appeared on their first effort Live At Momo's - possess a different fire. Adding to the proceedings on keyboards and accordion is Chip Dolan.

The entire performance at Antone's, thirteen songs of the Heathens at a new peak, is intercut on the DVD with interview segments that show the band's droll sense of humor. In addition, an 'Extras' section includes a glimpse at the not so glamorous life on the road, as well as three songs recorded at their home base "Momo's" and a collection of delightful photographs presented as a slideshow.