It was Record Store Day, a day to attract attention, to create meaning and reasons for actually purchasing music. I went to Everyday Music and Sonic Boom on Capitol Hill and found some great deals in the bargain bins but eventually made my way to Easy Street Records in Queen Anne to catch The Head and the Heart.
The Head and the Heart is a band on the verge of blowing up. They’re immensely popular in the Seattle area mostly because of their high energy and fun presence during live performances. They are scheduled to play at the Showbox in a few weeks, a concert that sold out within minutes. Because of the success, they added another show the next day to The Moore, which sold out equally as fast. This band could be the next Fleet Foxes; a gig on SNL would boost them into endless mainstream status.
Playing free at Easy Street was another example of how strong this band is right now. Easy Street was completely packed with people waiting outside, sticking their heads through the door. Record Store shows are different because people are typically polite, friendly enough to not push and shove, content with being comfortable with where they’re standing and what they’re hearing. The Head and the Heart write songs for this friendly crowd; songs that families can listen and grow up to, songs that people want to learn the lyrics to and sing for months and months. They’re part of this Indie-Folk trend that is present in popular music, but they have a smart voice, singing about travel and missing someone special. They stomp around stage, unafraid to escalate their emotions. They also have a woman singing who lifts her voice like an angel, shaking the core of a crowd’s feelings.
Check out The Head and the Heart, they’re something special.
Here’s some footage from the show:
It was the night of 3 part harmony at Neumos -- both The Parson Red Heads and The Head and The Heart belting out big vocal prettiness that filled the space. Two bands perfectly billed together -- if you like one, yr probably gonna like the other.
The Parson Red Heads with a big sound, catchy tunes. At their best when harmonies kick in: they can really let loose with some pretty stuff. Makes ya wanna melt. Think they played a lot of new songs, which sounded good. Ended their set with a killer tune, not sure the name. They also played "Punctual as Usual" which could be their hit single. You can catch them again at The High Dive on November 15th.
The Head and The Heart had a big draw. Lots of fans turned out. Seem to be getting bigger. Also with lovely three part harmonies. Acoustic guitars. Audience singing along clapping along. High volume of female fans methinks judging from crowd.
Love whoever is doing lighting at Neumos these days. Occasionally they blast out dry ice and then it gets bathed in red, all smoky and seductive.