The Head and the Heart

These guys are still a little green. New. Fresh. Still adjusting to being thrust into to the spotlight.  Ok, maybe this isn't an overnight success story, but it's certainly a lot quicker than expected (I suspect).  They seemed genuinely happy about the sold-out nature of the show, going out of their way to say thank you and point out home made signs.  Heck, I almost feel like they were blushing when they were introducing themselves.

"Hi.  We're the Head and the Heart.  We're from Seattle."

Whatever the case, they play like they've been touring for years.  The rhythm section sounded tight and together, like a Milano cookie.  And if they were the crispy outside, than the delicious middle would be Josiah and Jonathan, the chief vocalists and songwriters.  I don't know where that leaves Charity, the violinist/vocalist who was roundly applauded when she did just about anything.  Perhaps the mint?  Maybe a cookie was a bad analogy.

The show began with "Cats and Dogs" which led to "Couer d'Alene," just like their self titled-album.  But the show wasn't like listening to the album.  A lot of bands speed up their songs when playing live as part of their excitement and momentum.  Not the case here.  The Head and the Heart played purposefully.  That isn't to say there was a lack of energy... not at all.  Josiah played the shaker with more gusto than the shaker was probably accustomed to receiving.  In fact, I think it was trying to escape, but Josiah wouldn't let go.  

The real genius of the band could be felt in their final song of the evening, Down in the Valley.  It began with a simple enough acoustic story.  Enter the harmonies, perfect.  The song begins to build with states being listed off, and as they are the foot stomping begins.  California *stomp* Oklahoma *Stomp*... The band keeps everyone percolating until the crowd boils over singing: I AM ON MY WAY, I AM_ON MY WAY, I AM ON MY WAY, BACK TO WHERE I STARTED.  And just as quickly as it rose, the band drowns out, and just as the song promised, Jonathan takes us back to where we started.   I can still feel the floor shaking. ~ Jason Miller