The Head and the Heart, over the years, have made a name for themselves over the years in the folk-rock scene. On October 15 2013, they released their sophomore album, “Let’s Be Still.” As their first album produced as a full band, there are influences from across the band that makes the album what it is. There are instrumentals and vocals reminiscent to their predeceasing self-titled album.

The band consists of Josiah Johnson on vocals, guitar, and percussion, Jonathan Russell also on vocals, guitar, and percussion, Charity Rose Thielen on violin and vocals, Chris Zasche on bass, Kenny Hensley on piano, and Tyler Williams on the drums. The name, “the Head and the Heart” is described by Johnson as “your head is telling you to be stable and find a good job, you know in your heart that this is what you’re supposed to do even if it’s crazy.” In November 2010, the band signed to Sub Pop after a frenzy of managers and record labels wanting to work with them.

The song, “Another Story,” is the second song on the album written about the Newtown tragedy. The song was a way for Jonathan Russell to clear his head and show his emotions about what had happened. The lyrics are melancholy and deals with the fact that people live with the feelings of being depressed at different times and what could set off a person. The dark violin in this track adds to the melancholy vocals but backing drum and piano seems to give it an upbeat tempo that gives a certain contrast to the vocals and violin.

“Let’s Be Still” is a step towards further success and a new and broader audience. The Head and the Heart maintains their sincere vocals and meaningful instrumentals as they previously had shown in their self-titled debut.

The Head and the Heart are currently on tour supporting “Let’s Be Still,” performing at festivals such as Bonnaroo and have dates going through the fall.