Seattle based folk-rock sextet The Head and the Heart is a band full of movers and shakers. Just six months after their formation in 2009, they released their debut self-titled album with money out of their own pockets, managing to sell 10,000 copies on tour and in local record stores. Since then, they’ve done some pretty big things including opening for big names like My Morning Jacket, Death Cab for Cutie, Iron and Wine, and even Dave Matthews and making their way onto several late night talk shows.
With their sophomore album, Let’s Be Still, released this month on Sub Pop, all this hard work has paid off once again. Having a record company backing them this go-round, they were no longer at a loss for money and time, resulting in a much more full and more polished sound. Citing influences from soul and jazz to folk and pop, the group combined input from all six members on this record to create an eclectic mix of upbeat and sweetly reflective songs.
Thao & the Get Down Stay Down
Monday, October 28, 2013
Orpheum Theater
7:30 PM; Sold Out
The Head and the Heart will be visiting the Orpheum Theater on Monday for what will surely be a gracious outpouring of their sentimental vibes. Here are some tracks to keep in mind if you plan on attending:
“Lost in My Mind”
Probably everyone’s first introduction to the band, this warm and nostalgic song from their debut album combines cheery acoustic guitar and piano with feel-good harmonies, creating the impression of a band that also functions as a family.
“Down in the Valley”
A tenderly thoughtful piece with a singer-songwriter feel, this track shifts the mood into quiet reflection with softly lilting guitar and swaying violin. Slowly building through the thickening of the instrumental texture, “Down in the Valley” comes to a short rhythmic peak before returning to a calm space.
“Another Story”
Experimenting with a new, fuller sound, this song from the band’s new album plays with the contrast between fullness and scarcity with an expertly layered texture of instruments and voices, truly exhibiting the band’s growth as a songwriting team.
“Gone”
An arrhythmic interlude begins this six-and-a-half-minute track, which features the slowest build of all of the songs on this list. However, the climax is worth the wait, culminating in a tangle of vocals, violin, drums and banjo.
“Shake”
My personal favorite on the list, this single from Let’s Be Still features a driving rhythm shared by guitar and piano and plenty of memorable vocal hooks. Top that off with what have become signature Head and the Heart harmonies and you have their newest hit, a song perfect for playing on repeat while singing and dancing along.