When a song bursts forth with this much livewire energy, it makes you want to skip the formalities and get down to the business at hand. And, yeah, “YDEKH” is most definitely a ripper. But in the case of Athens newcomers Heffner, we would be remiss if we didn’t spend a moment discussing the group’s lineup. After all, the band brings together members of Classic City stalwarts Wanderwild, Grand Vapids, and the Hernies, which should be more than enough to excite anyone with a pulse and a love of propulsive guitar rock jam-packed with sticky hooks.
So here’s a quick rundown. Heffner sees Wanderwild’s Taylor Cotton (guitarist, songwriter) and Reagan Byrd (lead vocals) teaming up with Grand Vapids’ McKendrick Bearden (bass) and the Hernies’ Will Hefner (drums). Guitarist Lars Hefner rounds out the five-man squad. Together, the group promises a wide-ranging palette of sounds—everything from driving power-pop to dreamy bedroom R&B.
For its part, “YDEKH” is an assured rocker full of tightly wound guitars and knotted tension. It sprints forward with sharp intensity, with Byrd’s dynamic vocals serving as a melodic counter to the group’s fervid attack. In some ways it’s reminiscent of the taut, angular anthems that Wanderwild have been turning out lately filtered through a noisy pop haze. In other words, the songwriting is smart and infectious, rippling with an undercurrent of dark drama.
“This song is about knowing more about a person than you should,” says Cotton, “and watching on as your friends have to find out for themselves what you found out the hard way. [It’s] urgent and catchy, just how we like it.”
Listen below.
Heffner will make their Atlanta debut on Fri., March 6 at 529 alongside Wieuca, Chick Wallace, and Hi-Rise. Doors open at 9:30 p.m. Admission is $10. 21+ to enter.
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Facebook: @Heffnerband
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