This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Twelve years and five albums later, Erika Wennerstrom is still captivating audiences and music critics alike with her uniquely gritty voice and honest lyrics. Bandmates have rotated in and out, but Wennerstrom says she feels good about how far the Heartless Bastards have come.

The style of the band, hitting Salt Lake City on Monday for a show at Urban Lounge, has been described as everything from rough, country twang to raw rock 'n' roll. Whatever the description, the focus is almost always on Wennerstrom's alluring vocal capabilities — and her ability to write a great album.

The Heartless Bastards released their fifth studio album, "The Restless Ones," on June 16. Wennerstrom described writing the album as a vulnerable experience. "The Restless Ones" — produced by Grammy Award winner John Congleton (St. Vincent, Angel Olsen, Swans) — has been met with rave reviews and more praise for Wennerstrom's talent.

She took a break from touring to talk to The Tribune about making it as a musician, writing "The Restless Ones" and baring her soul onstage.

Realizing the musical journey and that 'aha' moment

When I was writing the more recent album, I had to stop and take a look back and realize and appreciate how far I have come. It's just been quite a journey. I started in Cincinnati and now I am in Austin, Texas. I've done and experienced so many things I never would have imagined I would. I am really grateful for where we are at. Kim Deal called me on the phone several years ago — I'm from Dayton, Ohio, and so are Kim and Kelley Deal from The Breeders. They had a No. 1 hit when I was in high school. It made me realize that you can be in a smaller town. It gave you this inspiration that you didn't have to be based in a major metropolis to go somewhere. It's about getting out there on the road. She is one of my heroes and she called me on the phone when The Pixies were coming through Austin and her and Jimmy [The Breeders guitarist] were gonna go see the bats fly out under this bridge in Austin. It was last minute so I didn't end up making it, but it was a really special moment. I was in shock that I was speaking on the phone with one of my heroes. I've had some other [moments], but that was one of the first ones where I was like, "Wow!"

'The Restless Ones'

It's a snapshot in time for me. It's a different time period. Some of it is a bit heavier. I felt like I got more lyrically raw on some of the album. Sometimes I questioned whether to be completely open in the lyrics because maybe I am revealing a little too much of myself. When you put an album out there for the world, it's for everyone to hear and review and judge. …But, I just went for it. ... With this album, it really came down to the wire. I was just writing a lot of directly what I was feeling. I would finish them and I would go in and record and mix it immediately. There wasn't time to go back and change. I took a little time away and then I listened later. … I feel like I can't really regret honesty. I think it's probably my most honest album. Not to say that the others are dishonest, I just mean a little more open. I felt very vulnerable when I first finished it.

Connecting with fans

My songs are very introspective and writing is very cathartic for me. To have fans of the band up there relating and identifying with what I am playing, it makes me feel more whole. It makes it bigger than myself. I've had people that told me that I've helped them through rough times. I think that's just a really special thing. It makes me feel good that I have done that for people. It keeps me going. —

Heartless Bastards

P With Slothrust.

When • Monday, 8 p.m.

Where • The Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East, Salt Lake City

Tickets • $20; 24Tix