Led by front woman Erika Wennerstrom, the Heartless Bastards are hardly without feeling. Often it's the kind that seethes, aches and has a chip on its shoulder. Recently transplanted to Austin, Texas, from its established home in Cincinnati, the roots-rock garage outfit has hit a new plateau with its latest CD, “The Mountain.” It has a straightforward, no-nonsense rock sound, featuring tight rhythms, a loose attitude and Wennerstrom's liquor-swilling vocals. Here, band members find some cleansing satisfaction in rubbing a little dirt in their music. The Heartless Bastards perform at the Canal Club on Sunday, July 11, at 7 p.m. $12-$15. 643-2582.
