The Head & The Heart
The Head & The Heart
2010
9.5/10
In terms of starting with an all-time high, The Head & The Heart’s self-titled debut will just about take the cake both in a musical sense and for you reading my reviews; albums don’t come much better than this!
In 2010, a bunch of college students met at a bar in Seattle, home of legendary bands such as Nirvana, Jimi Hendrix, Pearljam and Fleet Foxes to name a few; and formed what has now become one of the most popular indie/folk bands of the last 10 years.
The Head & The Heart in its simplest form, is an album that sparks joy and would brighten the darkest days. It is uplifting, full of energy and at times captivating. Lead singers Jonathan and Josiah combine together in such an effortless manner that it is hard not to get swept away with their vocal prowess.
Opening tracks Cats and Dogs, Coeur D’Alene and Ghosts immediately spin the tempo dial up to 10 and the work of Keyboardist Kenny Hensley is shown here in the most incredible fashion. What then transpires is two of my all-time favourite tracks, with the latter clearly being the fans favourite: Down in The Valley and Rivers and Roads. Rivers and Roads outlines what appears to be a journey of separation between loved ones, making mention of missing a lover’s face like hell and the intolerable distance of “rivers and roads til I meet you.” In a song that sounds like it should be full of anguish and pain, it is both inspiring and elevating.
Lost In My Mind carries on in a similar manner whereby a visual display of the most incredible sunset is portrayed for anyone who wants to sit down, close their eyes, listen and imagine. It’s moments like this that you make you want to sit around on a beach in the warm summer weather, with a cold beer in your hand, hanging out with your best friends and just simply enjoy living in the moment. Enjoy.