The Head and The Heart w/ Deep Sea Diver and Mikey & Matty
Paramount Theatre, Seattle, WA
11.07.16
The last of The Head And The Heart‘s three-night stand at The Paramount was a real treat for the sold out crowd. An ultimate Seattle special, the show featured a few favorites who returned to play in their native city.
Mikey & Matty started the evening with very easy listening. The Gervais brothers perfectly harmonized their vocals over a layer of impressively synchronized instruments. Overall they built a complex sound that sounded effortless.
Deep Sea Diver followed with their classically indie rock mix of instruments and melodies. Emphasis on mix – almost as if their songs are intentionally composed missing a beat to keep listeners engage in each changing sound. Lead Singer Jessica Dobson commanded the stage with her crisp vocals hitting a powerful range. She traded off between keyboard and guitar, all the while nailing the vocals. Many songs were from the the band’s new album, Secrets which was released earlier this year. This show was significant for the band as it was Jessica and drummer Peter Mansen’s seventh wedding anniversary. Likely it was extra special for them to be celebrating in Seattle, the city where they first met.
Having played two sold out nights on the same stage, Monday night was The Head and The Heart’s final Seattle date and final night of the “Signs Of Light” tour. The Head And The Heart kicked the evening off with “All We Ever Knew,” and the crowd was immediately captivated. As expected, a majority of the songs that followed were also from their newest and third album, Signs Of Light. A few numbers from their second album, Let’s Be Still, were sprinkled in the set list. THATH was originally formed in Seattle, and Johnathan Russel spoke of their fondness for the city and how great it felt to return again. The weather, and the vibe of city was so present to them during this visit and they were able to appreciate how those influences have formed such a different culture of music that is inherently “Seattle.” He also mentioned that he felt fortunate to be able to watch their friends on stage again, referring to the other local Seattle bands, Deep Sea Diver and Mikey & Matty opening up for them.
The performance was THATH in their true form. As always, a smooth blend of each individuals’ raw talent interwoven in one perfect and harmonized whole. While main front man Josiah Johnson was missed for his deep and sultry vocals, Matt Gervais (yes, of Mikey & Matty) filled in practically seamlessly. It was such a natural fit that the substitution may not have been obviously known.
The performance maintained a dynamic pace throughout the evening. The lighting altered to set the tone for each song but the relaxed yet soulful vibe remained constant. The rest of the backdrop consistented of various plants distributed throughout the stage and a neon script, “Signs of Light” illuminating the backdrop. It was a simple-meets-retro feel.
Longtime fans of THATH had a special encore treat as some beloved favorites form their original album wrapped the evening. “Rivers and Roads” concluded the night which sent the crowd home with a reminder of their deep nostalgic love for THATH.
The Head and the Heart
Deep Sea Diver
