The Head and The Heart stopped by ACL Live at Austin’s Moody Theater for two incredible performances on July 9 and July 10. From Seattle, Washington, this indie folk band is currently comprised of Josiah Johnson (vocals, guitar, percussion), Charity Rose Thielen (violin, guitar, vocals), Jonathan Russell (vocals, guitar, percussion), Chris Zasche (bass), Kenny Hensley (piano) and Tyler Williams (drums).
Having recently released their newest album “Living Mirage,” The Head and The Heart kicked off their tour with Hippo Campus just four weeks prior to their stop in Austin. I was particularly excited for this show, as it was only my second time seeing them live (the first time being at Austin City Limits two years ago) and my first time shooting at arguably the best venue in Austin: Moody Theater (not going to lie, I was a little nervous).
If you haven’t seen The Head and The Heart live before, I’d make it a priority. It was one of those shows that left me completely reeling afterwards, one of those shows where you realize, “Man, each one of these songs is a freaking hit.” Johnson mesmerized us with his dreamy voice and charming dance moves, while Thielen wooed us with her enchanting violin strums and ethereal harmonies. The dynamic between all the band members is true magic; you could feel their energy channeling through the theater the entire evening.
Though my eyes were fixated on the band for most of the night, I couldn’t help but notice the crowd and amuse myself with a little people watching (one of my favorite things to do at shows). What did I notice? Not one person was standing still. In fact, it almost seemed as if everyone was in perfect unity, swaying and singing along to each and every song. I think that’s the most beautiful thing about music, actually: the community it creates, and the harmonies that blossom from it. In this day and age, we all know we need more of that.
Songs in the full setlist include the following (those with links are my personal favorites; as you’ll see, there are quite a lot).
- All We Ever Knew
- Rhythm & Blues
- Up Against the Wall
- Missed Connection
- Another Story
- Let’s Be Still
- Brenda
- Lost in my Mind
- Honeybee
- One Big Mystery
- Ever Since
- Cats and Dogs
- I Found Out
- Sounds Like Hallelujah
- Down in the Valley
Encore:
- Living Mirage
- See You Through My Eyes
- Shake
- Rivers and Roads
For more information on The Head and the Heart and where to catch them next, visit http://www.theheadandtheheart.com/, and be sure to follow our other music adventures around Austin here!
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Leigh is a native Texan gone temporary New Yorker and now proud Austinite. Passions include but are not limited to music (both as a spectator and dabbler), traveling & cultural adventures, film & television, true crime, design (of the fashion, interior, and graphic sorts), and photographing & writing about all the aforementioned. Self-acclaimed coffee connoisseur & wino, cat aficionado, book worm, and nature junkie.