“The Head and the Heart” is an American indie folk rock band formed in 2009 by Josiah Johnson and Jonathon Russell. As a fan of folk rock myself, this is a band I’ve come to really enjoy (even though I only recently discovered them). Furthermore, their newest album is a hit, tackling the folk rock genre head-on with a unique modern touch. From the album’s opener to it’s closer, the recording, mixing, and mastering is superb throughout. The moment the album starts, its apparent that a lot of love and work went into it.

The band that started in 2009 is definitely different from the one performing today, having lost it’s two foundering members, there’s been quite a dramatic shift in sound. Although there’s still folk spirit on this album, it’s much more contemporary and rock-based than most other traditional folk acts. That’s not necessarily a bad thing though; regardless of the more contemporary sound, the Seattle based rock band still delivers an upbeat and fun, yet emotional album. The contrast of having both male and female vocalists works very well over the clean, well-rounded melodies and instrumentals. At eleven tracks, the album delivers some surprisingly well written and performed tracks.

On first listen, I felt a warmth I haven’t felt on an album in a long time. The album’s opener is a comforting ballad that’s actually one of the highest points on the album. The track “Brenda” is definitely my favorite moment on the album though. The track experiments with some electronic elements that bounce off the folk rock melody extremely well, and is implemented perfectly as not to oversaturate the song. The closing track being an all acoustic one is an interesting choice; while I do like the song, part of me wishes the album ended with more of a “bang.” All in all, this is a great not-so-folk rock album with lots of emotional moments and killer production.

Favorite Tracks: “See You Though My Eyes,” “Missed Connection,” “Brenda,” “Living Mirage,” “Glory of Music.”

If you’d like to support this artist, consider buying this album here, or following them on social media here