The New Heathens, a New York City based quintet steeped in rootsy rock 'n' roll, have released their first album, Heathens Like Me, which magnetizes the band's fiery live performances and skilled songwriting. Heathens Like Me, which was produced by the New Heathens, was recorded at Steve Earle guitarist, Yayhoo, songwriter, and uber-producer Eric "Roscoe" Ambel's studio, Cowboy Technical Services, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Greg Duffin, who has worked with Robbie Fulks and Joan Osbourne, engineered the sessions.

Heathens Like Me is a gritty, eclectic mix of rock, country, folk and psychedelia. Tracks include the singalong rockers "Getaway Baby," a jaunty story of female emancipation, and "141," an autobiographical tale set on 141st Street in Harlem. Heathens Like Me also includes the ballad "When She's Wasted," the satirical foot-stomper "Back To Jesus," and "Doomed Generation," an homage to the late gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson. As the song titles indicate, the album connects both coasts via blue highways. "Goodnight Paterson" explores the run-down New Jersey industrial town while "July 1, Near Helena, MT" tells a hilarious tale of alien paranoia combined with teen pyromania. Heathens Like Me closes with the rocker "For Cryin' Out Loud," a song performed by roots-rock supergroup the Yayhoos and written by Keith Christopher, a friend of the band who in addition to touring with the Georgia Satellites, Billy Joe Shaver and Kenny Wayne Shepherd, has also had his songs recorded by artists ranging from Ray Charles to Garth Brooks (and now, finally, the New Heathens).

Formed in early 2005 the New Heathens bonded over their love of music steeped in the American traditions of blues, folk, country and rock 'n' roll. Singer/songwriter Nate Schweber, of Missoula, Mont., plays acoustic guitar and harmonica. Butch Phelps, a Chatham, Mass. native who cut his teeth in the Portland, Ore. music scene, plays a red telecaster. Domenick Tiziano, of Mundelein, Ill. coaxes scorching licks from his collection of guitars. Dan Ambrico, a hard-rocking veteran of several New York City bands, plays bass. When the New Heathens original drummer Fabrice Gamon moved home to Paris, Uwe Petersen, a wild German native who has recorded with New Orleans great Dr. John, joined the fold.

Brandy Wood, who has played with Cracker and Freeloader, replaced Dan on bass in November 2007. Brandy is a phenominal musician, wickedly stylish, and sweet as a gumdrop.

The New Heathens have opened for the Samples. They have also performed with the Pillcrushers, fronted by Greg Beshers who moonlights in Velvet Underground drummer Moe Tucker's band as well as with fellow NYC alt. country belter Mary McBride. In addition, the Heathens gigged with singer/songwriter Jennifer Glass, who appears backed by Sam Bush on the Bruce Springsteen tribute album Light of Day, and Tommy Borscheid, formerly of the Minneapolis band The Honeydogs.

Nate Schweber: Vocals, harp, acoustic guitar, unrealistic expectations

Butch Phelps: Guitar, Tecate, ghost stories

Domenick Tiziano: Guitars, background vocals, shades, belt buckles

Brandy Wood: Bass, background vocals, style

Eric Seftel:: Drums, BBQ, a mean van