June 6, 2025 – The Head And The Heart played to a packed house at The Met in Philadelphia. On tour to promote their newest album release, Aperture, the folk-rock band had the audience fully engaged from the first note.
Photos and review by Steve Cerf @stevecerf
The crowd was in rare form—primed and ready for THATH to hit the stage. Kicking off the set was the calm and atmospheric “Cats and Dogs.” The tempo began to rise as they launched into the buoyant “Coeur d’Alene” before hitting full throttle with Aperture‘s “Fire Escape.” Its driving rhythm had Matt Gervais jumping into the photo pit to the surprise of all the photographers, shaking hands, high-fiving, and lunging into the audience to snap selfies. The fans went wild.
The band is on the road in support of their latest, critically acclaimed album, Aperture. Their sixth studio album marks a return to the band’s roots, with all members contributing to the songwriting and lending emotional depth throughout the record.
The Head and the Heart is a sextet from Seattle, and it’s mind-boggling that one band can have so many talented musicians—so many strong vocalists and gifted songwriters, all creating songs that speak to a wide range of emotions. Their music tells stories that evoke the kind of feelings that stay with you long after the show.
The greatest part of THATH is their lyricism. Straightforward but powerful lyrics are their specialty. They have a song for just about every human emotion—and they hit on all of them.
The band was on top of their game, sounding as brilliant and passionate as they do on their albums. Jonathan Russell’s voice gripped the crowd with its smoky tone and airy quality, while the band’s only female vocalist, Charity Rose Thielen, blew the crowd away with her angelic voice and solo performances. She was clearly a crowd favorite.
The mixture of fast-paced, driving, and festive songs with soothing, soulful “feel-good” moments created a unique musical experience inside the historic theater. The audience was high energy, all dancing and singing along—enjoying the great music and company. THATH did an outstanding job keeping everyone on their feet throughout the night.
Their set was a great mix of songs from Aperture and older fan favorites. The crowd responded instantly to “Beg, Steal, Borrow,” one of the most infectious songs on the new album, with everyone moving to its funky, upbeat groove. Later, “Arrow” landed like a gut punch—raw, bold, and filled with the kind of honesty that’s become a trademark of THATH’s sound. It was clear that every lyric they sang and every story they told came from the heart.
Already one of my favorite bands, The Head and the Heart’s live show deepened that admiration. Their talent is undeniable—and if you’re open to optimism, they’re a must-see.
