The Head and the Heart Heavenly ***

There’s a bar in Seattle called Conor Byrne where, on open- mic nights, The Head and the Heart first got it together. They’re a well-travelled bunch: guitarist/vocalist Josiah Johnson and keyboardist Kenny Hensley are from California, guitarist/ vocalist Jonathan Russell and drummer Tyler Williams are from Virginia, and violinist/ vocalist Charity Rose Thielen spent a year playing in Paris. Drifters all, then, as well as artists adept at sizing up wary audiences and chipping away caution until it morphs into acceptance. Their album, which has been online since last summer, is receiving an official release after the band signed to Sub Pop (in the US). It’s timely, given the symbiotic relationship this lot have with Mumford Sons, Fleet Foxes and Midlake. a bit buskeresqueIt’s, though not without charm. So, you know, you pay your money and make your choice. See theheadandthe heart.com

Dow nload tracks: Down in the Valley, Honey Come Home