Success starts somewhere small. From playing open mic nights, to burning and self-releasing their own CDs, to getting signed and selling out headlining shows in prestigious venues, The Head and the Heart has made huge progress in only three years. As indie folk has made a comeback in today’s society, the genre has worked wonders for the band, especially on their latest album, “Let’s Be Still.”
SUPER SIX FROM SEATTLE
After two years of touring all over the U.S. and opening for bands like Vampire Weekend and the Dave Matthews Band, The Head and The Heart is killing it. The Seattle super six met in the summer of 2009 at the Conor Byrne pub in Old Ballard after hearing each other sing as solo artists for the weekly Sunday evening open mic night. Well, most of them. Drummer Tyler Williams moved from Richmond immediately after hearing a demo of “Down in the Valley” that frontman Jonathan Russell sent.
In 2009, the same year they met, the band sold their self-titled debut album independently at concerts and record stores. “The Head and The Heart” became a huge success, resulting in 10,000 copies sold within a few months. Then Subpop Records signed them the next year in 2010. Perhaps this was not their best work though. Williams said in an interview with Newbury Comics, “We have a certain energy when we play shows that didn’t translate to the first record.” As for the second, they discovered their true signature sound and hit the studio for “Let’s Be Still.”
"NEW TASTE OF INDIE POP"
This record has incorporated a whole new taste of indie pop, but it still rocks that indie folk vibe. “Summertime” brings back memories like jumping into the popular girls’ convertible on the last day of school for that celebratory beach trip. This tune is definitely the song to happily dance to, even when the tempo change hits and gets all swingy. The playful synth that sneaks in the choruses for the melody will have you bouncing.
And don’t forget about the band’s lead single, “Shake.” This song resembles their live energy the closest, with the bass drum driving the whole song. Russell sings, “Now the wind, yes the wind keeps pushing you and me / And time in time, I know when it’s time to leave.” Don’t start missing your ex and trying to remain completely still while listening; it’s basically impossible. These tunes give off that hip Grouplove vibe — more eclectic, colorful beats that groove in a way that make you want to shake.
Of course the mellow tracks are still alive too, which suits the cold days coming up this fall. The three-part harmonies on top of piano make for a folk treasure, especially when complemented by fragile violin like in “Another Story.” Not only is Charity Rose’s violin a beautiful addition, she also hits the highest notes. In “Springtime,” with heavy synth, Rose sings for 54 seconds melting hearts all over. It ticked off janitors everywhere because hearts have literally been melting into messy liquid puddles.
It is quite obvious that “Let’s Be Still” is no doubt one up from “The Head and The Heart.” Because of all the traveling across the whole country, they cultivated a passionate listenership and discovered a deep connection to the music. The clap-stomp-along energy is definitely breaking down barriers in today’s music scene and is succeeding quite well. After this album releases, The Head and The Heart is going to be on the first class train of relaxation and satisfaction. But only for a little while because now they have to show the world their new creation.
