THE HEAD AND THE HEART

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The Head and the Heart is a Seattle indie folk/alternative group whose latest album, Living Mirage (Warner Brothers), has transported them in a new and interesting direction. Originally formed in 2009 when songwriters Jonathan Russell (Guitar/Vocals) and Josiah Johnson (Guitar/Vocals) met at an open-mike showcase. Members Charity Rose Thielen (Violin/Guitar/Vocals), Chris Zasche (Bass), Kenny Hensley (Piano) and Tyler Williams (Drums) soon followed. In 2011 and 2013 they released their first two records, The Head and the Heart and Let’s Be Still, on Sub Pop Records. In 2013 problems erupted when founding member Johnson took an hiatus from the band to recover from drug and alcohol addiction. This just before they were set to record their major label debut, Sign of Light (2016), on Warner Brothers Records. Johnson didn’t contribute much to the record and didn’t tour. Matt Gervais ( Guitar/Keys/Vocals), the husband of band mate Charity Rose Thielen, replaced him on the road. Sign of Light yielded a cross over hit, “All We Ever Knew”, which reached #1 on the Billboard AAA chart.

Living Mirage is The Head and the Heart‘s most polished record to date. Many of the songs have a radio friendly appeal and the writing is stronger and more precise. For the first time the band has collaborated with outside songwriters and major label producers to help shape their expanding sound. Initially the band pushed back on any external assistance but eventually felt it was a perfect way to “shake it up”. And what a lovely shake it is.

Living Mirage opens with “See You Through My Eyes”, a sweet harmonic mid rocker. The interweaving of Russell’s and Thielen’s voices is delicate and graceful. “Missed Connection”, the album’s first highly successful single, follows and the melody is hypnotic. Williams’ steady drum beat and Hensley’s swirling piano are highlights. As in many of The Head and the Heart‘s songs, “Missed Connection” harbors on lost love and relationships.

Don’t tell me I lost a step

Criss-crossed in the wrong direction

 Found myself in a conversation

 From a missed connection

“People Need A Melody” is a fragile ballad whose melancholic aura is tender and haunting. Again the harmonies are outstanding. “Honeybee”, the record’s second single,  is a sublimely beautiful song which conjures up images of long hand held walks and newly minted love. Thielen’s voice is dazzling and Zasche’s bass is superb.  “Brenda” encompasses a R&B flavored chorus and cascading keys that creates a engaging ambiance.

The Josiah Johnson co-written “Running Through Hell” seems to chronicle Johnson’s addiction dilemma. While the song is earthy,the lyrics touch on weightier issues.

Looking for heaven, running through hell again

Looks like I got myself in trouble with the boys again.

“Up Against The Wall” with its spirited chorus and brisk melody shines. “Saving Grace” owns a  soulful mood and warm piano which sifts directly into the heart. “I Found Out” is  another mid-tempo rocker where the musicianship of The Head and the Heart excels. “Living Mirage” is organic and lush. The whole song just gets stronger as it progresses and the pace enlivens. Russell’s tone is spotless. The Head and the Heart close out Living Mirage with the ethereal “Glory of Music” with its minimalist production and rustic timbre. An appropriate ending to a sterling recording

As chance be it I was able to catch The Head and the Heart live just a few days ago at the Oakdale Theater in Wallingford, Ct.

Opening act Illiterate Light comprised of Jeff Gorman (Guitar/ Vocals/Bass) and Jake Cochran (Drums/Vocals) delivered an energetic aggregation of original tunes and several Neil Young covers. In fact, think Neil Young meets 21 Pilots. Their debut album, Illiterate Light, dropped the day of the show. The poppy “Better Than I Used To”, “In the Ground” and Neil Young’s “Vampire Blues” were standouts. Illiterate Light won over the audience with a lively set and an animated stage persona.

The Head and the Heart‘s first song was “Living Mirage” and the crowd was on their feet from the opening refrain. Their usual laid back staging was upgraded to an elaborate stage design and meandering colored lights. There were many high points in the 19 song set. Early on “All We Ever Knew” and “Missed Connection” were towering. Later in the show “Brenda”, “Let’s Be Still”, “Lost My Mind” and “Honeybee” mesmerized their fans.

The Head and the Heart closed out with an amazing version of “See You Through My Eyes” and a thunderous “Rivers and Roads”. A totally captivated night was had by all.

The Head and the Heart

• Jonathan Russell
• Charity Rose Thielen
• Matt Gervais
• Chris Zasche
• Kenny Hensley
• Tyler Williams
• Josiah Johnson (on hiatus)

Living Mirage is The Head and the Heart‘s fourth album.

• The Head and the Heart————————————2011 (Sub Pop Records)
• Let’s Be Still————————————————–2013 (Sub Pop Records)
• Signs of Light————————————————2016 (Warner Bros. Records)
• Living Mirage————————————————2019 (Warner Bros. Records)

Next Post———————————————————–The Dead South

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