Concert Review: The Head and the Heart at 9:30 Club, 9/23
The Head and the Heart
Last Friday, September 23rd, I was fortunate enough to catch The Head and the Heart at the 9:30 Club. After seeing them for the first time at Bonnaroo this summer and missing them at Newport due to a scheduling conflict with Middle Brother, I was determined to see them again, and this second performance did not disappoint. The first opening band, Salt Lake City’s The Devil Whale, brought the energy to start off the night. Unfortunately, after studying in the library until 4 AM the previous night, I was not quite bringing the energy yet. Still, their spirited rock got my feet moving and inspired me to look them up after the show. I did perk up quite a bit when Thao with the Get Down Stay Downcame onstage. Their catchy tunes were a lot of fun live, and I knew it was going to be a good night when they launched into one of my favorite songs, “Bag of Hammers.” I felt a bit spoiled with these great acts in addition to The Head and the Heart.
Thao with the Get Down Stay Down
The Head and the Heart surpassed my expectations with their tight, yet soulful jams. They started off the show strong with album openers “Cats and Dogs” and “Couer d’Alene” and never stopped. As I expected, the climax of the show was “Rivers and Roads,” a song that rarely fails to bring tears to my eyes, and of course vocalist/violinist Charity Rose Thielen killed it. For the encore, Jon Russell sang a beautiful little number with some help from Josiah Johnson, and the whole band came back out to finish the set with “Down in the Valley,” this time with help from the audience. All in all, it was a great night of music, and The Head and the Heart’s infectious folk-pop songs kept a smile on my face the entire time.
– Tess O’Connor, host of Tunes With Tess, Mondays 2-3 PM on WGTB
Great concert review of one of my favorite bands. Any chance you might do gig write-ups for Matthew and the Atlas (Jammin Java 11/8 Tues) or Trampled by Turtles (9:30 Club 11/18 Fri)?
I really wanted to make the Trampled by Turtles show, but unfortunately I have a conflict that night. If they come around again, though, I’ll be sure to catch them. Thanks for commenting!
trampled was INCREDIBLE. do not pass up another show if at all possible!!