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Wesley Harding - Pure And Easy

What would happen if Little Walter, Johnny Cash, and Muddy Waters got together to perform songs written by Bob Dylan and sung by Jeff Tweedy of Wilco? You would likely get something that sounds a lot like Wesley Harding. Songs about teen angst may be well-trodden territory, and on this album the band cover that ground...but what is less common is for such a youthful band to be so enthusiastic about the classic Delta Blues
of a bygone era and Wesley Harding come out swinging on this excellent first effort. 

They’re looking for a showdown, but somewhere in their aggression they find enough time for sophisticated social commentary and introspective thought well beyond their years. 

Recorded in the summer of 2012, The Boiler Room sessions is an album several years in the making - the songs on the album were initially written by the band before they arrived at ESU Records to record them, but were then further developed and refined. 

The tracks are full of variety and different influences; the album kicks off with the paint-
peeling “Leave Me Your Sympathy”, “Pure and Easy” displays the band’s acoustic chops, “Schemes of the Wicked” offers biting social commentary, and on “Today” you can almost taste the sawdust of the dusty old saloon which is being sung of. 

Wesley Harding is led by Michael Alanis, a singer/writer/guitarist who is just as comfortable as a balladeer as he is screaming in-your-face rock n’ roll. They are an ambitious band, who blend folk, rock and blues and distinguish themselves with their harmonica-infused sound. They began in the boiler room of Alanis’ house in Elmwood Park, IL, where the band would play in cramped quarters, developing their style. After arriving at ESU, they released their debut album, the aptly-titled Boiler Room Sessions which was a strong start for a band with little previous time spent in the studio. 

The band has experience playing live, having played many local house parties and gigs: 
Double Door, The Elbo Room, Bottom Lounge, Deja Vu, Penny Road Pub and others. 

Now, with the upcoming release of their sophomore album "A Slightly Better Mess", the band is looking to build a strong following and play out as often as possible. More 
information on the band can be found at esurecords.com/wesleyharding.

OA Exclusive Performance and Interview with Wesley Harding

Wesley Harding are a Chicago blues/rock/folk band on the ESU Records label.

Wesley Harding - Pure And Easy

Wesley Harding.

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