The popular folk-pop band The Head and The Heart is set to perform at SteelStacks in Bethlehem this Sunday, showcasing music from their latest album, “Aperture,” which was released on May 9, 2023. Following the success of their previous work, “Every Shade of Blue,” the band has embraced a new creative direction that reflects their evolving dynamics and artistic vision.
The band’s 2022 album, “Every Shade of Blue,” was described as a “collection of songs that celebrates the beautiful mess” experienced during a time of transformation, according to their social media. This record was marked by challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a patchwork of ideas that, while memorable, lacked cohesion. In contrast, “Aperture” has been crafted with a sense of unity, as the band members engaged in a more collaborative writing process.
Drummer Tyler Williams highlighted this shift in an interview, stating, “With this one, we just wanted to be way more concise, but also more together through the whole writing process.” The album was born out of spontaneous jamming sessions at The Brink studio in Richmond, Virginia, where the band members were able to explore their musical ideas freely.
The absence of a major label or management has allowed the band to reconnect with their roots. “We felt like we were doing it for ourselves and not really having deadlines or outside influence. So it really did feel like we were back to those beginning years,” Williams explained. This return to their self-produced origins echoes their early days when they were initially signed to Sub Pop Records.
During the recording sessions, the group found that songs were emerging organically. Williams remarked, “Things just felt a little more spontaneous… we were really just jamming in the moment.” This creative freedom led to the development of tracks like “Pool Break” and “Cop Car.” The latter features a raw, emotional vocal performance from guitarist Jonathan Russell, blending unrefined studio sounds with the band’s signature harmonies.
Despite some members being temporarily absent—specifically violinist Charity Rose Thielen and guitarist Matty Gervais due to family commitments—the band maintained a strong connection. Their collaboration has evolved, with Gervais taking on a more substantial role in the songwriting process for “Aperture.” “He went into this record process fully himself and ready to attack these songs,” Williams noted, emphasizing Gervais’s contributions.
Reflecting on their journey, Williams mentioned the importance of community within the band. “We’re kind of back to that living-in-one-house family feel again,” he said. This sense of closeness has translated into a more authentic artistic expression. The title “Aperture” embodies this theme, signifying the band’s intent to welcome diverse influences into their music.
The metaphor of an aperture extends beyond music, symbolizing the balance of light and darkness in life. Williams articulated, “It’s the idea of allowing more light in, even though there’s darkness.” This perspective resonates with their audience, who appreciate the vulnerability and sincerity present in their work.
As The Head and The Heart prepares for their performance at SteelStacks, anticipation builds among fans eager to experience the band’s latest creations live. Their ability to evoke emotion through music has established them as a powerful force in the contemporary folk-pop landscape.
With their blend of heartfelt songwriting and inviting stage presence, The Head and The Heart continue to captivate audiences, making their upcoming concert a highly anticipated event.
